Abstract A134: Identification of novel Treg-specific molecule targets

Abstract

Abstract Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play as a specialized cell lineage that has an essential role in the immunological tolerance and maintenance of immune homeostasis, and it has been reported that Treg cells are enriched within the tumor microenvironment for immune evasion due to their immunosuppressive functions. Currently studies have revealed the heterogeneity or developmental plasticity in the Treg cells lineage, acquisition of alternative effector or hybrid fates. In this study, we conducted next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify the molecular interaction of Treg cells and Th17 cells genetic programs in response to cytokine regulation. We found that 41 differential expression genes (DEGs) are related common TGF-β signaling, 129 DEGs are involved specific Treg cells fate determination and maintenance and 144 DEGs are linked pro-inflammatory Th17 cells response. Also we identified Treg cell-specific molecular targets such as TregP1, TregL1, TregG, and TregAP2 by systemic and classical biologic approaches. These genes highly expressed in Treg cells independently of Foxp3 expression, and conferred unique role on Treg cells. Thus, we propose that these genes targeting have potential therapeutic applications in cancer, and other conditions which Foxp3+Treg cells limit protective host immune responses. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Jung-Ho Kim, Jae-Seung Moon, Sang-Kyou Lee. Identification of novel Treg-specific molecule targets [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A134.