Regulatory T cells in alloreactivity after clinical heart transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
As the knowledge of CD4+CD25bright+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in experimental transplant models grows, we need to understand how and to what extent these suppressor cells regulate donor-directed immune events in the transplantation clinic. This review focuses on the function of regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood and the transplanted organ of patients after heart transplantation during immunological quiescence and rejection.


RESULTS
Here, we present data that peripheral CD4+CD25bright+FoxP3+ T cells of heart transplant patients who experience acute rejection have inadequate immune regulatory function in vitro compared with those of nonrejecting patients. During rejection, potent donor-specific T-cell suppressors are present in the transplanted organ.


CONCLUSIONS
The studies in transplant patients' show that the function of CD4+CD25bright+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in alloimmunity is to inhibit the activation of effector T cells, to prevent rejection, and to control the antidonor response at the graft itself at later stages of immune reactivity.
Baan
Carla C
CC
Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. c.c.baan@erasmusmc.nl
Dijke
I Esmé
IE
Weimar
Willem
W
D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents