The genetics of immunoregulatory T cells.
The immune repertoire of normal, healthy individuals contains autoreactive T cells and natural antibodies that, under normal conditions, are controlled, either through central tolerance or by the activity of immunoregulatory T cells to prevent the onset of autoimmune diseases. Over the years, several types of immunoregulatory T cells have been identified. These include natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T (Treg) cells and type 1 NKT cells, which develop in the thymus, as well as acquired immunoregulatory T cells, such as type 1 cells (Tr1), Th3 cells, Ts cells and anergic CD4 T cells, which all appear to be products of peripheral immune activation. While little is understood about the genetics of most types of immunoregulatory T cell, detailed information on the genetic control of NKT and Treg cells is now available and may contribute significantly to our understanding of the aetiology of autoimmune disease.
Jordan
Margaret A
MA
James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Queensland, Australia.
Baxter
Alan G
AG
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology*; D007109:Immunity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*