Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Regulatory T cells: Therapeutic Potential for Treating Transplant Rejection and Type I Diabetes
Published on: August 20, 2007
Regulatory T cells: key players in tolerance and autoimmunity
1Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, The David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752, USA. tchatila@mednet.ucla.edu
Abstract:
CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T (TR) lymphocytes are essential to the maintenance of immunologic tolerance in the host. The discovery of Foxp3 as a transcription factor essential to the differentiation of TR ushered in detailed studies of the molecular mechanisms of TR cell development, peripheral homeostasis, and effector functions. In humans, loss of function mutations in genes that regulate T-cell development and function have been associated with TR cell deficiency or dysfunction and syndromes of autoimmunity and immune dysregulation. Augmentation of TR cells by immunotherapy and pharmacologic agents is a promising strategy for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
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,...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses

