Tregs are regulated by cytokines: implications for autoimmunity

Several immune cell subsets contribute to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance by taking active participation in the networks that suppress autoreactive immune responses. There is ample evidence that CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) can have an important role in suppressing the production of autoimmune responses in animal models and in humans. This review describes the influences that specific cytokines have on the differentiation, maintenance and survival of Tregs, and how these effects can ultimately directly influence both number and functional activity of these cells in autoimmune disease.