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Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
CoRESTed development of regulatory T cells
Luisa Morales-Nebreda1, Kathryn A Helmin1, Benjamin D Singer1,2,3
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
Abstract:
Tregs require specific epigenetic signatures to induce and maintain their suppressive function in the context of inflammation and cancer surveillance. In this issue of the JCI, Xiong and colleagues identify a critical role for the epigenetic repressor REST corepressor 1 (CoREST) in promoting Treg suppressive transcriptional and functional programs. Pharmacologic inhibition and genetic loss of CoREST in Tregs impaired organ allograft tolerance and unleashed antitumor immunity via epigenetic activation of effector T cell programs. We propose that exploiting epigenetic control mechanisms will further the translation of Treg-based therapeutics to target inflammatory and malignant disorders.
Insights
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) need epigenetic marks for immune suppression. Researchers found that CoREST is crucial for Treg function, and its inhibition aids organ transplant tolerance and anti-tumor immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are vital for immune homeostasis.
- Epigenetic modifications are essential for Treg function in inflammation and cancer.
- Identifying key epigenetic regulators in Tregs is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of REST corepressor 1 (CoREST) in Treg function.
- To determine the impact of CoREST modulation on immune tolerance and anti-tumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Genetic manipulation of CoREST in Tregs.
- Pharmacologic inhibition of CoREST.
- Assessment of Treg suppressive function.
- Analysis of organ allograft tolerance.
- Evaluation of anti-tumor immune responses.
Main Results:
- CoREST is critical for Treg-mediated immune suppression.
- Loss of CoREST in Tregs impairs organ allograft tolerance.
- CoREST inhibition in Tregs unleashes anti-tumor immunity by activating effector T cell programs.
- CoREST regulates Treg-specific transcriptional programs epigenetically.
Conclusions:
- CoREST is a key epigenetic regulator of Treg suppressive function.
- Targeting CoREST in Tregs offers a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
- Exploiting epigenetic control mechanisms in Tregs can advance Treg-based therapies.
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