Regulatory T cells: tolerance induction in solid organ transplantation

Clin Exp Immunol. 2017 Aug;189(2):197-210. doi: 10.1111/cei.12978. Epub 2017 May 25.

Abstract

The concept of regulatory T cell (Treg ) therapy in transplantation is now a reality. Significant advances in science and technology have enabled us to isolate human Tregs , expand them to clinically relevant numbers and infuse them into human transplant recipients. With several Phase I/II trials under way investigating Treg safety and efficacy it is now more crucial than ever to understand their complex biology. However, our journey is by no means complete; results from these trials will undoubtedly provoke both further knowledge and enquiry which, alongside evolving science, will continue to drive the optimization of Treg therapy in the pursuit of transplantation tolerance. In this review we will summarize current knowledge of Treg biology, explore novel technologies in the setting of Treg immunotherapy and address key prerequisites surrounding the clinical application of Tregs in transplantation.

Keywords: cell therapy; clinical trials; immunotherapy; regulatory T cells; tolerance; transplantation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity*
  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cryopreservation
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Mice
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Transplantation Tolerance*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents