CD28-and CD28lowCD8+Regulatory T Cells: Of Mice and Men.
Since the rebirth of regulatory (formerly known as suppressor) T cells in the early 1990s, research in the field of immune-regulation by various T cell populations has quickly gained momentum. While T cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 are currently in the spotlight, several other T cell populations endowed with potent immunomodulatory capacities have been identified in both the CD8+and CD4+compartment. The fundamental difference between CD4+and CD8+T cells in terms of antigen recognition suggests non-redundant, and perhaps complementary, functions of regulatory CD4+and CD8+T cells in immunoregulation. This emphasizes the importance and necessity of continuous research on both subpopulations of regulatory T cells (Tregs) so as to decipher their complex physiological relevance and possible synergy. Two distinct CD8-expressing Treg populations can be distinguished based on expression of the co-stimulatory receptor CD28. Here, we review the literature on these (at least in part) thymus-derived CD28lowand peripherally induced CD28-CD8+Tregs.
School of Health Sciences, University of Technology , Port Louis , Mauritius.
Yirajen
Y
Vuddamalay
Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1043, Toulouse, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), U5282, Toulouse, France; Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.
Joost P M
JP
van Meerwijk
CD8+ T-lymphocytes; human; immunoregulation; mouse; regulatory T cells; thymus; tolerance