Tregs are regulated by cytokines: implications for autoimmunity

Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Oct;8(1):83-7. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2008.08.002. Epub 2008 Sep 2.

Abstract

Several immune cell subsets contribute to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance by taking active participation in the networks that suppress autoreactive immune responses. There is ample evidence that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) can have an important role in suppressing the production of autoimmune responses in animal models and in humans. This review describes the influences that specific cytokines have on the differentiation, maintenance and survival of Tregs, and how these effects can ultimately directly influence both number and functional activity of these cells in autoimmune disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Survival / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors