title: [CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T lymphocytes: naturally occuring regulatory T cells].
abstract: The mechanism that plays an essential role in immunosuppression and regulation is the presence of naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Tregs), which comprise 5-10% of peripheral CD4+ lymphocytes. They are characterized by the constant and high expression of the α subunit of IL-2 receptor (CD25), which makes them different from conventional, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, which express this molecule at lower level only during the activation state. The function of regulatory T cells is to inhibit proliferation as well as cytokine production by effector CD4+CD25- lymphocytes. They are also able to suppress CD8+ T cells, monocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells and B cells. The transcription factor Foxp3 is the key regulatory gene for the development and function of regulatory T lymphocytes. Its expression is limited to CD4+CD25high T cells at both mRNA and protein levels. Foxp3 is a specific indicator of suppressive activity of Tregs and it acts as repressor as well as activator of transcription.
authors: Zaklad Immunologii, Katedra Immunologii, Gdanski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Gdansk. akinomab@gumed.edu.pl
authors: Monika
authors: M
authors: Ryba
authors: Jolanta
authors: J
authors: Myśliwska
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000378:metabolism*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit