title: Regulatory T cells and systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Regulatory T cells, especially CD4+CD25+ T cells, "natural killer" T cells and gammadelta T cells, are central in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and the protection from the development of autoimmune diseases. Numerical or functional modifications of these cell populations were demonstrated to lead to the breakdown of tolerance and the emergence of autoimmunity. Involvement of regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, might be of first importance. In murine models and patients with lupus, these regulatory T cells seem to be reduced in number. Functional deficiencies have also been described in a few studies. A better knowledge of regulatory T cell functional properties in systemic autoimmune diseases is essential to manipulate these cells and hopefully to restore immune tolerance.
authors: CNRS UPR9021 (Immunologie et Chimie Thérapeutiques), 67084 Strasbourg, France.
authors: Véronique
authors: V
authors: Parietti
authors: Hélène
authors: H
authors: Chifflot
authors: Sylviane
authors: S
authors: Muller
authors: Fanny
authors: F
authors: Monneaux
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*