Prevention of allograft rejection by amplification of Foxp3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells

Transl Res. 2009 Feb;153(2):60-70. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2008.12.001. Epub 2008 Dec 25.

Abstract

CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were identified originally as potent suppressors of autoimmunity and were later termed "natural regulatory T cells" or nTreg cells. Subsequently, a transcription factor called forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) was identified to be a critical regulator for Treg differentiation and function. Foxp3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells have been increasingly documented to suppress allograft rejection and to mediate allograft tolerance in transplantation. In this article, the authors review current approaches for amplification of allo-specific Foxp3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells for prevention of allograft rejection and induction of allo-specific transplant tolerance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / immunology*
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit