CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells utilize FasL as a mechanism to restrict DC priming functions in cutaneous immune responses

Recent studies have suggested Fas-mediated elimination of antigen-presenting cells as an important mechanism down-regulating the induction of autoimmune responses. It remains unknown whether this mechanism restricts the magnitude of immune responses to non-self antigens. We used a mouse model of a cutaneous CD8(+) T-cell-mediated immune response (contact hypersensitivity, CHS) to test if CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells expressing FasL regulate hapten-specific effector CD8(+) T cell expansion through the elimination of Fas-expressing hapten-presenting DC. In WT mice, attenuation of CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cell activity by anti-CD25 mAb increased hapten-presenting DC numbers in skin-draining LN, which led to increased effector CD8(+) T-cell priming for CHS responses. In contrast, CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells did not regulate hapten-specific CD8(+) T-cell priming and CHS responses initiated by Fas-defective (lpr) DC. Thus, restricting DC priming functions through Fas-FasL interactions is a potent mechanism employed by CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory cells to restrict CD8(+) T-cell-mediated allergic immune responses in the skin.