Abstract

The transcription factor Foxp3 is required for the development of regulatory T cells (Treg cell). Here we report that induced ablation of a loxP-flanked Foxp3 allele in mature Treg cells resulted in the loss of their suppressive function in vivo and acquisition of the ability to produce interleukin 2 and T helper type 1 cytokines. Furthermore, after adoptive transfer in the absence of functional Treg cells into lymphopenic hosts, Treg cells with deletion of Foxp3 proliferated and were predominant among tissue-infiltrating T cells. In agreement with those results, we found deregulation of Foxp3 target gene expression after Foxp3 deletion. Thus, continued Foxp3 expression in mature Treg cells is needed to maintain the transcriptional and functional program established during Treg cell development.