title: T regulatory cells: a promising new target in atherosclerosis.
abstract: T regulatory cells (Tregs) comprise the cardinal mechanism of peripheral immune tolerance by modulating the function of virtually each immune cell. Given that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation of the arterial wall, certain components of the immune system have been proven to have a central role in its pathogenesis. Consequently, various clinical and experimental studies have been conducted to elucidate the role of Tregs in suppressing this immune-mediated inflammation. In this review, current experimental and clinical knowledge on the role of Tregs in the atherogenic process is presented after a short introduction to their generation and function. Based on these data, Treg-targeted therapeutic approaches are discussed in regard to their potential for clinical application.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Immunology Unit.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tselios
authors.affiliation: Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sarantopoulos
authors.affiliation: Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gkougkourelas
authors.affiliation: Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Panagiota
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000276:immunology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*