The TGF-beta1/Foxp3 regulatory axis in immune self-tolerance: implications for health and disease.
CD4(+) regulatory T cells (T(REG)) are important contributors to the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. It is now becoming evident that this heterogeneous population consists of naturally occurring and induced CD4(+) T(REG) cells that share between themselves key immunoregulatory characteristics. Their phenotype and function often relies on the expression of Foxp3 transcription factor (TF) and the presence of the immunomodulating cytokine TGF-beta1. The interdependence of TGF-beta1 and Foxp3 in the induction and maintenance of regulatory T cell networks is gradually being elucidated, shedding new light on peripheral tolerance. Thus, comprehension and delimitation of those processes predict the development of novel therapies for the treatment of infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer and graft rejection.
Pyzik
Michal
M
Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Strategic Training Centre in Infectious Diseases and Autoimmunity, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 2B4.
Piccirillo
Ciriaco A
CA
D000818:Animals; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1