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Antigen-induced regulatory T cells in autoimmunity
Matthias G von Herrath1, Leonard C Harrison
1La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, Division of Immune Regulation, 10355 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|March 27, 2003
Summary
Inducing antigen-specific regulatory T (T(Reg)) cells offers a promising strategy for autoimmune disease treatment. These cells can suppress inflammation site-specifically, even when initial triggers are unknown.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases cause tissue damage via autoaggressive lymphocytes.
- Current treatments aim to broadly suppress the immune system.
- Targeted suppression of pathology is the ultimate treatment goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nature and function of antigen-specific regulatory T (T(Reg)) cells.
- To discuss strategies for the therapeutic induction of these cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on T(Reg) cell induction and function.
- Analysis of bystander suppression mechanisms.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Antigen-specific T(Reg) cells can suppress autoimmune disease progression.
- These cells act as site-specific bystander suppressors.
- Induction is effective even with unknown initiating autoantigens and progressive inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic induction of antigen-specific T(Reg) cells is a viable strategy for autoimmune diseases.
- Site-specific suppression offers a targeted approach to managing inflammation.
- Further research into induction strategies is warranted.