Thymosin alpha1: the regulator of regulators?
The peripheral immune system can promote either immunity or tolerance when presented with new antigens. Current knowledge withholds that populations of suppressor or regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) constitute a pivotal mechanism of immunological tolerance. The potential role of malfunctioning T(reg) cells in chronic inflammatory immune and auto-immune diseases is well-documented. Learning how to successfully manipulate T(reg) responses could result in more effective vaccines and immunomodulators. We have already shown that Thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1), a naturally occurring thymic peptide first described and characterized by Allan Goldstein in 1972, by modulating signals delivered through innate immune receptors on dendritic cells, affects adaptive immune responses via modulation of Th cell effector and regulatory functions. We will discuss recent molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of Talpha1 to activate or inhibit immune responses.
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Bonifazi
B
Pierluigi
Carmen
C
D'Angelo
Francesca
F
Fallarino
Silvia
S
Moretti
Teresa
T
Zelante
Silvia
S
Bozza
Antonella
A
De Luca
Francesco
F
Bistoni
Enrico
E
Garaci
Luigina
L
Romani
D000818:Animals; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D000077596:Thymalfasin; D013947:Thymosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D013947:Thymosin; D000077596:Thymalfasin