CTLA-4 inhibits T-cell activation and protects against the development of autoimmunity. We and others previously showed that the coreceptor can induce T-cell motility and shorten dwell times with dendritic cells (DCs). However, it has been unclear whether this property of CTLA-4 affects both conventional T cells (Tconvs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we report that CTLA-4 had significantly more potent effects on the motility and contact times of Tconvs than Tregs. This was shown firstly by anti-CTLA-4 reversal of the anti-CD3 stop-signal on FoxP3-negative cells at concentrations that had no effect on FoxP3-positive Tregs. Secondly, the presence of CTLA-4 reduced the contact times of DO11.10 x CD4 ؉ CD25 ؊ Tconvs, but not DO11.
IntroductionT-cell responses require an antigen-specific signal generated by the TCR/CD3 and CD4-CD8-p56 lck complexes 1,2 as well as by coreceptors, such as CD28, inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), CTLA-4, and programmed death-1 (PD-1). 3,4 CTLA-4 is inhibitory as demonstrated by the phenotype of Ctla4 Ϫ/Ϫ mice that develop a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by massive tissue infiltration and early lethality. 5,6 CTLA-4 raises the threshold that is needed for T-cell activation by cell intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. 7 Cell intrinsic mechanisms include inhibition of ZAP-70 microcluster formation, 8 an altered immunologic synapse (IS), 9 modulation of TCR signaling by phosphatases SHP-2 and PP2A, 10,11 and interference with the expression or composition of lipid rafts on the surface of T cells. [12][13][14] Cell extrinsic functions include the ecto-domain competition for CD28 binding to CD80/CD86, 15 occupancy or removal of CD80/86 16 or the release of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) 17 and transforming growth factor  (TGF-). 18 CTLA-4 expression is also needed for optimal suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs). 19 The external domain of CTLA-4 has been reported to mediate anergy induction, whereas its effect in reducing TCR signaling required the internal domain. 20 In this context, we have shown that CTLA-4 induces T-cell motility (ie, motility activator) and limits contact times with DCs as well as affecting the migration of T cells in lymph nodes. 8,21,22 Reduced contact times by CTLA-4 would be expected to limit TCR ligation events and raise the threshold for T-cell activation. [21][22][23][24] The motility inducing effects of CTLA-4 have been confirmed by several laboratories in various in vivo models, [25][26][27] and involves CTLA-4 activation of the GTP binding protein Rap1 and LFA-1 adhesion. 24,28 Immune responses are regulated by a balance of inflammatory responses by conventional or responder T cells (Tconvs) and suppression by Tregs that maintain tolerance to self-antigen. 29,30 Treg suppression of the in vitro proliferation of Tconvs is cellcontact-dependent. 31 Further, Tregs constitutively express CTLA-4 which can be released to the cell surface and is needed for optimal suppressor function. 19,32,33 In this context, it has been unclear whethe...