Immunoplasticity--triggers of regulatory function

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) as key players of the immune system are exposed to numerous triggers including exogenous and endogenous factors. Autonomous nerve activity, melatonin, hormones such as vitamin D and glucocorticoids as well as the exposure to sunlight and microorganisms shape our immunological profile. The complexity of this system is highlighted by the power of each single trigger but more impressive by influencing each others function and potentials directly and indirectly. However, while monocausal correlations of single triggers on Tregs have been studied at length, there is much less known about the impact of numerous coexistent triggers on the dynamics of Treg activity. It can be hypothesized that the dynamics of Treg activity plays a crucial role for the control of our immune system. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that a new translational, multi- and interdisciplinary approach finds its way into future research efforts, which should lead to a more comprehensive and holistic view on the complex immunoregulatory mechanisms and to act in the sense of public health.