CD8 +Helios +T cells: A unique functional T cell subpopulation?

Abstract The zinc finger protein, Helios, is a member of the Ikaros transcription factor family and expressed in CD4 +T cells, CD8 cells some NK both mice humans. While it has been found to have role homeostasis suppressive function +Foxp3 regulatory (Treg), its not well characterized. We demonstrated that ~10–40% from normal donors express Helios. Expression Helios +appears be downregulated with TCR stimulation alone but maintained presence excess IL-2 signaling. Thus far, extensive flow cytometry studies failed show correlation between expression any other surface or intracellular markers. Mouse +Helios +Ly-49 reported inhibit activation B germinal centers claimed +counterpart +Treg. these performed mice, there very little data suggest human exhibit T suppressor function. In humans, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), transmembrane glycoproteins, are said functional equivalent Ly49 proteins. KIR +CD8 previously highly autoimmune conditions. Data we obtained CITE-seq analysis shown Heliosexpression CD8s correlated many NK-cell associated This, along showing produce cytotoxic effector molecules, leads us speculate immune suppression via killing self-activated cells. This work was supported by Intramural Research Program NIAID, NIH.