Identification and functional characterization of human CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells with regulatory properties isolated from peripheral blood

A subpopulation of peripheral human CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells that expresses CD 45RO, histocompatibility leukocyte antigen DR, and intracellular cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA) 4 does not expand after stimulation and markedly suppresses the expansion of conventional T cells in a contact- dependent manner. After activation, CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells express CTLA-4 on the surface detectable for several weeks. These cells show a G1/G0 cell cy cle arrest and no production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, or interferon (IF N)-gamma on either protein or mRNA levels. The anergic state of CD4(+)CD25( +) T cells is not reversible by the addition of anti-CD28, anti-CTLA-4, ant i-transforming growth factor beta, or anti-IL-10 antibody. However, the ref ractory state of CD4(+) CD25(+) T cells was partially reversible by the add ition of IL-2 or IL-4. These data demonstrate that human blood contains a r esident T cell population with potent regulatory properties.