[Targeting Regulatory T Cells to Remodel Peripheral Immune Tolerance: Research Advances and Future Directions]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Therapy
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key immune cells for maintaining peripheral immune tolerance.
• Treg-based therapies offer potential for treating autoimmune diseases, allergies, and transplant rejection.
• Clinical translation of Treg therapies is hindered by significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the discovery and mechanisms of Tregs.
• To summarize research progress in Treg-based therapies, including polyclonal, antigen-specific, and IL-2 approaches.
• To identify key challenges and future research directions for clinical Treg therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of Treg discovery, mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies.
• Analysis of current Treg-based therapy research and clinical trial status.
• Identification and discussion of critical bottlenecks in Treg therapy translation.

Main Results:

• Tregs inhibit immune responses through various mechanisms.
• Polyclonal, antigen-specific, and low-dose IL-2 therapies are under investigation.
• Clinical trials for Treg therapies are ongoing, demonstrating active research.

Conclusions:

• Translating Treg therapies requires addressing stability, autoantigen-specific preparation (CAR-Tregs, TCR-Tregs), microenvironment modulation, and minimizing adverse effects.
• Overcoming these bottlenecks is crucial for advancing Treg-based treatments for inflammatory conditions.