Regulatory T cells promote myelin regeneration in the central nervous system

Regeneration of myelin is a dynamic, yet enigmatic process. Dombrowski et al. uncover a central role for regulatory T (Treg) cells in driving oligodendrocyte differentiation, in part via CCN3, a novel factor in Treg function and oligodendrocyte biology. This identifies Treg cells as key cellular players in efficient remyelination. Regeneration of CNS myelin involves differentiation of oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. In multiple sclerosis, remyelination can fail despite abundant oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, suggesting impairment of oligodendrocyte differentiation. T cells infiltrate the CNS in multiple sclerosis, yet little is known about T cell functions in remyelination. We report…

• MS
  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
• WT
  Wellcome Trust

  Awards: WT104915MA, 110138/Z/15/Z, /Z/15/Z
• LT
  Leverhulme Trust

  Award: ECF-2014-390
• MS
  Multiple Sclerosis Society
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: K12GM081266
• DF
  Directorate for Biological Sciences
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Awards: MC_PC_12009, MR/K017047/1, WT104915MA
• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Awards: BB/J01026X/1, BB/N003721/1
• NI
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences

  Award: K12GM081266
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke