T regulatory cells: aid or hindrance in the clearance of disease?
CD4+ CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are classified as a subset of T cells whose role is the suppression and regulation of immune responses to self and non-self. Since their discovery in the early 1970s, the role of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs in both autoimmune and infectious disease has continued to expand. This review examines the recent advances on the role CD4+ CD25+ Tregs may be playing in various diseases regarding progression or protection. In addition, advances made in the purification and manipulation of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs using new cell markers, techniques and antibodies are discussed. Ultimately, an overall understanding of the exact mechanism which CD4+ CD25+ Tregs implement during disease progression will enhance our ability to manipulate CD4+ CD25+ Tregs in a clinically beneficial manner.
Coleman
Clint A
CA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Muller-Trutwin
Michaela C
MC
Apetrei
Cristian
C
Pandrea
Ivona
I
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D004194:Disease; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000378:metabolism; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit