TNF-receptor 2 signaling enhances suppressive abilities in human circulating T follicular regulatory cells

Objective: T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells express CXC chemokine receptor type 5. They migrate into germinal centers and suppress T follicular helper (Tfh) and B cells for regulating antibody production. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are used in inflammatory diseases; however, autoantibody and anti-drug antibody production is challenging. As TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) signaling is important for suppressive functions of regulatory T cells, we investigated the role of TNFR2 on Tfr cells. Methods: Tfr, Tfh, and naive B cells were obtained from human peripheral blood. Tfr cells were stimulated with MR2-1 (anti-TNFR2 agonistic antibody) and their proliferation, Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression, and surface molecules were evaluated by flow cytometry. Tfh/B-cell proliferation and B-cell IgM production and differentiation in co-cultures with MR2-1-stimulated Tfr cells were examined. Results: TNFR2 expression was higher on Tfr cells than conventional T cells. MR2-1 altered the gene expression profile of Tfr cells. Cell proliferation and Foxp3 expression were induced by MR2-1. Inducible costimulator and program death-1 were dramatically upregulated in MR2-1-stimulated Tfr cells and significantly suppressed Tfh/B-cell proliferation, IgM production, and B-cell differentiation. Tfr cells treated with MR2-1 migrated according to the CXCL13 gradient. Conclusion: TNFR2 signaling in Tfr cells regulates Tfh and B-cell population. Aberrant antibody production during TNF inhibitor treatment might be associated with TNFR2 signaling inhibition in Tfr cells, suggesting TNFR1-specific inhibition as a better therapeutic strategy than pan-TNF inhibition. TNFR2-treated Tfr cells may serve as prospective candidates for cell-based therapy of autoimmune diseases. Transcriptome analysis of Tfr cells and Treg cells with or without TNFR2 stimulation.