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Epigenetic Control of Regulatory T Cell Stability and Function: Implications for Translation
Anthony M Joudi1,2, Carla P Reyes Flores1,2, Benjamin D Singer1,2,3,4
1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial for immune balance but can lose function in inflammation. Understanding Treg cell plasticity is key to improving Treg cell therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are vital for immune homeostasis and tissue repair.
- Treg cell plasticity, or the loss of function in inflammatory environments, poses a challenge for Treg cell-based therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss controversies surrounding Treg cell plasticity.
- To explore factors influencing Treg cell stability in inflammatory settings.
- To identify epigenetic mechanisms for enhancing Treg cell therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and discussion of existing data on Treg cell plasticity.
- Focus on epigenetic mechanisms governing Treg cell stability.
Main Results:
- Treg cell plasticity can paradoxically contribute to inflammatory pathology.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are critical determinants of Treg cell stability.
Conclusions:
- Treg cell plasticity is a significant barrier to effective Treg cell immunotherapy.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms may enhance Treg cell therapy efficacy and reduce toxicity.
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