title: The role of CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cells in the physiopathogeny of graft-versus-host disease.
abstract: Donor T cells present within hematopoietic stem cell transplants promote engraftment, contribute to T-cell reconstitution and provide an antileukemic effect. However, they are also responsible for the life-threatening graft-versus-host disease. The subpopulation of CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cells, initially identified as crucial players in the regulation of autoimmune processes, might also play a role in the control of alloreactivity. Experimental studies in mice indicate that donor regulatory T cells indeed control alloreactive responses and reduce graft-versus-host disease. Recent clinical reports also suggest that higher numbers of CD4+CD25hi cells within the transplant or in the blood of grafted patients might be associated with reduced graft-versus-host disease. Hence, these cells are attractive immunoregulatory candidates to prevent graft-versus-host disease in humans.
authors.affiliation: CNRS, UMR7087, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, 83, bd. de l'Hôpital, F-75651 Paris Cedex 13, France. jose.cohen@chups.jussieu.fr
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Boyer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020544:Graft vs Leukemia Effect; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000097:blood; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit