Single-cell RNA-seq of splenic Treg and Tconv cells

While unique subsets of Treg cells have been described in some non-lymphoid tissues, their relationship to Treg cells in secondary lymphoid organs and circulation remains unclear. We have identified a short-lived effector Treg cell subset that expresses the α2 integrin, CD49b, and exhibits a unique tissue distribution. Projection of the CD49b+ Treg signature onto the Treg phenotypic landscape as inferred by single-cell RNA-seq analysis, placed these cells at the apex of the Treg developmental trajectory. These results shed light on the identity and development of a functionally potent subset of mature effector Treg cells that recirculate through and survey peripheral tissues. Single-cell RNA-seq libraries (10x Genomics) were prepared from FACS-purified Tconv and Treg cells from pooled spleens of Foxp3GFP mice.