Control of graft-versus-host disease by regulatory T cells: which level of antigen specificity?

Eur J Immunol. 2006 Sep;36(9):2299-303. doi: 10.1002/eji.200636571.

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to suppress harmful self-reactive T cell responses. A paper in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology analyzes the role of Tregs in preventing syngeneic graft-versus-host disease (sGVHD). In this Commentary, we address the role of antigen specificity of Tregs in this context as well as future protocols for successful allogeneic grafts transplantation. Such ideal interventions will hopefully retain a diverse repertoire of pathogen-specific T cells, while maintenance of self-, foreign- and alloantigen-specific Tregs ensures life-long graft tolerance.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology*