Abstract
Regulatory T (TReg) cells are crucial for the prevention of fatal autoimmunity in mice and humans. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)(+) TReg cells are produced in the thymus and are also generated from conventional CD4(+) T cells in peripheral sites. It has been suggested that FOXP3(+) TReg cells might become unstable under certain inflammatory conditions and might adopt a phenotype that is more characteristic of effector CD4(+) T cells. These suggestions have caused considerable debate in the field and have important implications for the therapeutic use of TReg cells. In this article, Nature Reviews Immunology asks several experts for their views on the plasticity and stability of TReg cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CTLA-4 Antigen / immunology*
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CTLA-4 Antigen / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / immunology*
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Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Humans
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Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology*
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Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
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Leukocyte Common Antigens / immunology
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Leukocyte Common Antigens / metabolism
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Mice
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
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Thymus Gland / cytology
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Thymus Gland / immunology*
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Thymus Gland / metabolism
Substances
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CTLA-4 Antigen
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CTLA4 protein, human
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FOXP3 protein, human
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Forkhead Transcription Factors
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Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
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Leukocyte Common Antigens