Revival of CD8+ Treg-mediated suppression.
Despite their first recognition almost 40 years ago, CD8(+) 'suppressor' T cells remain poorly characterized. Recent studies of these lymphocytes, now popularly referred to as regulatory CD8(+) T cells (CD8(+) Tregs), have helped clarify their important role in the regulation of autoimmune disease. Here, we review progress related to the identification, phenotype and function of CD8(+) Tregs. We also focus on a newly described subset, CD8alphaalpha(+)TCRalphabeta(+) Tregs, which in mice recognize a T-cell receptor-derived peptide in the context of the class Ib major histocompatibility complex molecule Qa-1. These Tregs target only activated T cells and complement the suppression provided by CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs. Investigations leading to the detailed identification, expansion, maintenance and function of CD8alphaalpha(+) Tregs should result in new therapeutic strategies for human inflammatory diseases.
Laboratory of Autoimmunity, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Trevor R F
TR
Smith
Vipin
V
Kumar
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000502:physiology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000502:physiology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000502:physiology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016753:Interleukin-10; D007371:Interferon-gamma