T-bet as a possible therapeutic target in autoimmune disease

The prominent role of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by T helper-1 (T(H1)) cells in regulating autoimmune responses in vitro and in vivo has been demonstrated. Recent observations of T cell polarisation by regulatory transcription factors--especially T-bet (T-box expressed in T cells)--raise the question of their influence in controlling autoimmune diseases. Here, the authors summarise recent observations of the role of T-bet in controlling chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and discuss the implications of these findings for future therapeutic approaches.