Regulatory T cells promote innate inflammation after skin barrier breach via TGF- activation
Research article published in Science immunology (2021)
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) use multiple mechanisms to attenuate inflammation and prevent autoimmunity. Tregs residing in peripheral (i.e., nonlymphoid) tissues have specialized functions; specifically, skin Tregs promote wound healing, suppress dermal fibrosis, facilitate epidermal regeneration, and augment hair follicle cycling. Here, we demonstrated that skin Tregs were transcriptionally attuned to interact with their tissue environment through increased expression of integrin and TGF-β pathway genes that influence epithelial cell biology. We identified a molecular pathway where skin Tregs license keratinocytes to promote innate inflammation after skin barrier breach. Using a single-cell discovery approach, we identified preferential expression of the integrin αvβ8 on skin Tregs Upon skin injury, Tregs used this integrin to activate latent TGF-β, which acted directly on epithelial cells to promote CXCL5 production and neutrophil recruitment. Induction of this circuit delayed epidermal regeneration but provided protection from Staphylococcus aureus infection across a compromised barrier. Thus, αvβ8-expressing Tregs in the skin, somewhat paradoxical to their canonical immunosuppressive functions, facilitated inflammation acutely after loss of barrier integrity to promote host defense against infection.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Regulatory T cells (T) use multiple mechanisms to attenuate inflammation and prevent autoimmunity.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study identified a pathway in which skin-resident regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing integrin αvβ8 activate latent TGF-β after skin barrier breach, promoting keratinocyte CXCL5 production and neutrophil recruitment. This circuit delayed epidermal regeneration but protected against Staphylococcus aureus infection across a compromised barrier. The work is indirectly relevant to ASH's domain because leech therapy involves deliberate skin barrier breach and wound healing, and TGF-β signaling plays roles in both contexts. However, this study involves no leeches, no leech-derived molecules, and no hirudotherapy; the connection is limited to shared mechanistic themes in skin injury and innate immunity.
Citación
Regulatory T cells promote innate inflammation after skin barrier breach via TGF- activation
Moreau JM et al. · Science immunology, 2021
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026