CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell therapy in transplantation

J Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Feb;4(1):11-21. doi: 10.1093/jmcb/mjr047. Epub 2011 Dec 14.

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are long-lived cells that suppress immune responses in vivo in a dominant and antigen-specific manner. Therefore, therapeutic application of Tregs to control unwanted immune responses is an active area of investigation. Tregs can confer long-term protection against auto-inflammatory diseases in mouse models. They have also been shown to be effective in suppressing alloimmunity in models of graft-versus-host disease and organ transplantation. Building on extensive research in Treg biology and preclinical testing of therapeutic efficacy over the past decade, we are now at the point of evaluating the safety and efficacy of Treg therapy in humans. This review focuses on developing therapy for transplantation using CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs, with an emphasis on the studies that have informed clinical approaches that aim to maximize the benefits while overcoming the challenges and risks of Treg cell therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • Graft vs Host Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Isoantigens / immunology
  • Mice
  • Organ Transplantation
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / transplantation*
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation Immunology
  • Transplantation Tolerance

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Isoantigens