title: Regulatory T cells and COPD.
abstract: While the innate immune system has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, a role for the acquired immune system is less well studied. The increasing recognition that COPD shares features with autoimmune disease has led to interest in a potential role for regulatory T cells, which are intimately involved in the control of autoimmunity. The suggestion that regulatory T cell numbers are increased in patients with COPD may indicate their dysfunction or resistance to suppression by target cells. Investigation of regulatory T cells may therefore be of importance in understanding the inflammation and tissue damage that occurs in patients with COPD who cease smoking.
authors.affiliation: University of Birmingham School of Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, , Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dancer
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sansom
mesh_terms: D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
keywords: COPD Exacerbations; Copd ÀÜ Mechanisms; Tobacco and the Lung