Pharmacological Enhancement of Regeneration-Dependent Regulatory T Cell Recruitment in Zebrafish

The study investigates methods to improve tissue regeneration, focusing on regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are important for this process. The research uses zebrafish, known for their regenerative abilities, to test drugs that might enhance the recruitment of Tregs to damaged tissues. The researchers found that pramipexole, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, increases Treg recruitment in zebrafish, suggesting a potential avenue for promoting regeneration in humans.

• 1
  Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, was identified as a specific enhancer of zTreg recruitment to injured tissue in zebrafish.
• 2
  The dopamine antagonist SCH-23390 blocked the activity of pramipexole, indicating that peripheral dopaminergic signaling regulates zTreg recruitment.
• 3
  A chemical screen identified 44 molecules that potently inhibited zTreg recruitment, including known immune suppressants and CNS agents, validating the screening platform.