Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Regulatory T (TR) cells are a subset of T cells that function to control immune responses. Different populations of TR cells have been described, including thymically derived CD4(+)CD25+ TR cells and Tr1 cells induced in the periphery through exposure to antigen. A transcription factor, Foxp3, has been identified that is essential for CD4(+)CD25+ TR cell development and function. There is now evidence that transforming growth factor-beta might play a role in this pathway. CD4(+)CD25+ TR cells proliferate extensively in vivo in an antigen-specific manner, and can respond to both self and foreign peptides. By suppressing excessive immune responses, TR cells play a key role in the maintenance of self-tolerance, thus preventing autoimmune disease, as well as inhibiting harmful inflammatory diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.coph.2004.05.001

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Pharmacol

Publication Date

08/2004

Volume

4

Pages

408 - 414

Keywords

Animals, Antigens, CD, Antigens, Differentiation, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, CTLA-4 Antigen, Humans, Interleukin-10, Lymphocyte Activation, Receptors, Interleukin-2, Transforming Growth Factor beta, Transforming Growth Factor beta1