title: Therapeutic potential of TGF-β-induced CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases.
abstract: Foxp3(+) T regulatory cell (Treg) subsets play a crucial role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis against self-antigens. The lack or dysfunction of these cells contributes to the pathogenesis and development of many autoimmune diseases. Therefore, manipulation of these cells may provide a novel therapeutic approach to treat autoimmune diseases. In this review, we provide current opinions concerning the classification, developmental, and functional characterization of Treg subsets. Particular emphasis will be focused on the therapeutic role of TGF-β-induced CD4M(+) Foxp3(+) cells (iTregs) in established autoimmune disease. Moreover, the similarity and diversity of iTregs and naturally occurring, thymus-derived CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (nTregs) will be discussed, including the finding that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 can convert nTregs to IL-17-producing cells, whereas iTregs induced by TGF-β are resistant to the effects of this cytokine. Understanding these aspects may help to determine how Tregs can be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Xiaohui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Hejian
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: Xianpei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zhongmin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Song Guo
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Zheng
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D017634:Self Tolerance; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D020381:Interleukin-17; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta