Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Development of Stem Cell-derived Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells Against Autoimmunity
Published on: November 8, 2016
Diversity of regulatory T cells to control arthritis
Joel A G van Roon1, Johannes W J Bijlsma, Floris P J G Lafeber
1Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.vanroon@umcutrecht.nl
During follow-up of the suppressive functions of CD4+ T helper (Th) 2 cells in recent years, the suppressive capacities of newly recognised CD4+ Th cells with more widespread suppressive potential have been extensively investigated. These Th cells, collectively termed regulatory T cells, are characterised by the secretion of specific cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 (Tr1 Th cells), transforming growth factor (TGF)beta (Th3 cells) or the constitutive expression of CD25 (naturally occurring T regulatory cells, nTregs). The balance of these regulatory T cells with pro-inflammatory effector T cells, such as Th1 (interferon (IFN)gamma secreting), Th17 (IL-17 secreting) and CD25- Th cells, has been shown to be of pivotal importance for the development and persistence of autoimmune diseases. The high potential of regulatory T cells (in particular nTregs), to efficiently suppress several arthritic responses both in humans and in animal models of arthritis, make them therapeutic targets of interest in arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
During follow-up of the suppressive functions of CD4+ T helper (Th) 2 cells in recent years, the suppressive capacities of newly recognised CD4+ Th cells with more widespread suppressive potential have been extensively investigated. These Th cells, collectively termed regulatory T cells, are characterised by the secretion of specific cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 (Tr1 Th cells), transforming growth factor (TGF)beta (Th3 cells) or the constitutive expression of CD25 (naturally occurring T regulatory cells, nTregs). The balance of these regulatory T cells with pro-inflammatory effector T cells, such as Th1 (interferon (IFN)gamma secreting), Th17 (IL-17 secreting) and CD25- Th cells, has been shown to be of pivotal importance for the development and persistence of autoimmune diseases. The high potential of regulatory T cells (in particular nTregs), to efficiently suppress several arthritic responses both in humans and in animal models of arthritis, make them therapeutic targets of interest in arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

