Tissue resident regulatory T cells: novel therapeutic targets for human disease

Over the past decade, the ability of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to suppress multiple types of immune cells has received tremendous attention. Mounting evidence has revealed that tissue resident Tregs control non-immunological processes of their target tissues and contribute to a plethora of human diseases. The identification of novel tissue-specific Tregs has highlighted their heterogeneity and complexity. This review summarizes the recent findings for visceral adipose tissue CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (VAT Tregs), muscle Tregs, bone Tregs and skin memory Tregs, with a focus on their unique functions in local tissues. This interpretation of the roles of tissue-specific Tregs and of their involvement in disease progression provides new insight into the discovery of potential therapeutic targets of human diseases.