Human CD4 + CD25 + CD127 low FOXP3 + regulatory T lymphocytes and CD4 + CD25 - FOXP3 - conventional T lymphocytes: a differential transcriptome profile.

CD4 ⁺ CD25 ⁺ FOXP3 ⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a subpopulation of CD4 ⁺ T cells central for the suppression of physiological and pathological immune reactions. Although distinct cell surface antigens are expressed in regulatory T cells, those components are also present on the surface of activated CD4 ⁺ CD25 ^- FOXP3 ^- T cells, thus making the discrimination between Tregs and conventional CD4 ⁺ T difficult and isolation of Tregs complex. Yet, the molecular components driving Tregs' function are still not fully characterized. Aiming at unraveling molecular components specifically marking Tregs, and upon using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) followed by bioinformatics analysis, we identified, in this study, differential transcriptional profiles, in peripheral blood CD4 + CD25 + CD127 ^low FOXP3+ Tregs versus CD4 + CD25-FOXP3- conventional T cells, for set of genes with distinct immunological roles. In conclusion, this study identifies some novel genes that appeared to be differentially transcribed in CD4+ Tregs versus conventional T cells. The identified genes could serve as novel molecular targets relevant to Tregs' function and isolation.