title: Utilizing regulatory T cells against rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for normal immune surveillance systems, and their dysfunction leads to development of diseases, such as autoimmune disorders. CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells are well-known suppressive cells, which express the transcription factor Foxp3, are indispensable for the maintenance of immune self-tolerance and homeostasis by suppressing aberrant or excessive immune response. Other Foxp3(-) Treg cells include Tr1, Th3, CD8(+)CD28(-/-), and Qa1-restricted T cells; however, the contribution of these Treg cells to self-tolerance, immune homeostasis as well as preventing autoimmunity is not well defined. Here, we discuss the phenotypes and function of Foxp3(+) Treg cells and the potential use of such Treg cells against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of note, even though most expanded populations of Foxp3(+) Treg cells exhibit suppressive activity, tissue-associated or antigen-specific Treg cells appear superior in suppressing local autoimmune disorders such as RA. In addition, utilizing tissue-associated Foxp3(+) Treg cells from stem cells may stable Foxp3 expression and avoid induction of a potentially detrimental systemic immunosuppression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haque
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fino
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Fengyang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Xiaofang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Jianxun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
keywords: autoimmunity; cell-based therapies; regulatory T cells; rheumatoid arthritis; stem cells; suppressive cytokines