The aim of this study was to analyze the regulatory T cells (Tregs) induced by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in pigs. Serum, blood, tonsil, and mediastinal lymph nodes' samples were obtained at different time post-infection (dpi). The frequencies of CD4(+)CD8(-)CD25(+)Foxp3(+), CD4(+)CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+), or CD4(-)CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) phenotypes were determined in PBMC and lymph node cells, and cells producing IL-10 or TGF-β were analyzed. PRRSV increased the number of CD4(+)CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells at 14 dpi, whereas CD4(+)CD8(-)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) remained constant until 28 dpi. Positive correlation exists between viremia and induced regulatory cells. CD4(+)CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)-induced Treg cells were consistently observed in lymphoid tissues. Analysis of IL-10- and TGF-β-producing cell demonstrated that in response to PRRSV, CD4(+)CD8(-)Foxp3(low) and CD4(+)CD8(+)Foxp3(high) cells increase moderately the proportion of IL-10(+) cells. TGF-β was only observed in the CD4(+)CD8(+)Foxp3(high) population after PRRSV stimulation. In conclusion, PRRSV infection increases the frequency of Tregs with the phenotype CD4(+)CD8(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(high) and produces TGF-β.
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