title: Regulatory T cells.
abstract: Immunologic self-tolerance is critically dependent on the induction but also on the downregulation of immune responses. Though ignored and neglected for many years, suppressor T cells, now renamed regulatory T cells (Tregs), play an important role in the negative regulation of immune responses. Several subsets of Tregs have been described. Naturally occurring CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs are important in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Type 1 Tregs, another subtype of Treg that is inducible, exert their suppressive activity primarily via the release of IL-10. Detailed knowledge about the phenotype and mode of action of these cells will significantly increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and will also help to identify new therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beissert
authors.forename: Agatha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schwarz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D015704:CD4 Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2