Altered generation of induced regulatory T cells in the FVB.mdr1a−/− mouse model of colitis

The FVB. mdr1a −/− mouse, lacking the small molecule pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is a commonly used model for the study of spontaneous T cell–mediated colitis. In addition, MDR1 polymorphisms and P-gp deficiency in humans have been linked to the development of ulcerative colitis. We now demonstrate that mice with P-gp deficiency have decreased levels of Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the intestinal lamina propria. This decrease is not due to either increased Treg apoptosis, altered Treg trafficking, or enhanced Treg plasticity to become Foxp3 + IL-17 + cells. Instead, P-gp deficiency appears to restrict the development of induced Treg cells (iTregs), as fewer Foxp3 + iTregs developed from naive FVB. mdr1a −/− T cells both upon transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) treatment in vitro and after adoptive transfer into FVB. rag2 −/− recipients. Rather, in vitro TGF-β treatment results in a IL-17 + CD4 + T cell. This failure of iTregs to develop explains the decrease in Foxp3 + Tregs in the FVB. mdr1a −/− intestine, representing a need to investigate this novel disease mechanism in human inflammatory bowel disease patients with MDR1 polymorphisms.