Regulatory T cells.
Regulatory T (TR) cells are a subset of T cells that function to control immune responses. Different populations of TR cells have been described, including thymically derived CD4(+)CD25+ TR cells and Tr1 cells induced in the periphery through exposure to antigen. A transcription factor, Foxp3, has been identified that is essential for CD4(+)CD25+ TR cell development and function. There is now evidence that transforming growth factor-beta might play a role in this pathway. CD4(+)CD25+ TR cells proliferate extensively in vivo in an antigen-specific manner, and can respond to both self and foreign peptides. By suppressing excessive immune responses, TR cells play a key role in the maintenance of self-tolerance, thus preventing autoimmune disease, as well as inhibiting harmful inflammatory diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
Thompson
Claire
C
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
Powrie
Fiona
F
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000502:physiology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; C556706:CTLA4 protein, human; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D016753:Interleukin-10