CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells: a therapeutic target for liver diseases.
BACKGROUND
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play an important role in maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis by suppressing autoreactive and allergen-specific T cells and turning off the immune response after the pathogen has been cleared. However, in certain situations Tregs can impair effective immunity to some pathogens and tumour cells.


OBJECTIVE
To review the role of Tregs in liver pathology and to assess the potential to enhance or inhibit their function as applied to the treatment of liver disease.


METHODS
The literature was reviewed using standard indexing terms and incorporating publications up to and including those published in 2007.


CONCLUSIONS
Tregs are therapeutic targets for modulation in autoimmune disease and may provide new opportunities for application to human liver conditions.
Zheng
Ming-Hua
MH
First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Department of Infection and Liver Diseases, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
Gu
Dian-Na
DN
Braddock
Martin
M
Leishman
Andrew J
AJ
Jin
Chang
C
Wen
Jin-Sheng
JS
Gong
Yue-Wen
YW
Chen
Yong-Ping
YP
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit