Delayed Akt suppression in the lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury promotes resolution that is associated with enhanced effector regulatory T cells

The adaptive immune response could play a major role in the resolution of lung injury. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in promoting the resolution of lung injury, therapeutic strategies to enhance Treg quantity and activity at the site of injury need further exploration. In the current study, Akt inhibition using triciribine (TCBN), given 48 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, increased Tregs-promoted resolution of acute lung injury (ALI). TCBN treatment enhanced the resolution of LPS-induced ALI on day 7 by reducing pulmonary edema and neutrophil activity associated with an increased number of CD4+/FoxP3+/CD103+ and CTLA4+ effector Tregs, specifically in the injured lungs and not in the spleen. Treatment of EL-4 T-lymphocytes with two Akt inhibitors (TCBN and MK-2206) for 72 h resulted in increased FoxP3 expression in vitro. On the other end, Treg-specific PTEN knockout (PTEN^Treg KO) mice that have a higher Akt activity in its Tregs exhibited a significant impairment in ALI resolution, increased edema, and neutrophil activity associated with a reduced number of CD4+/FoxP3+/CD103+ and CTLA4+ effector Tregs as compared with the control group. In conclusion, our study identifies a potential target for the treatment of late-stage ALI by promoting resolution through effector Treg-mediated suppression of inflammation.