Regulatory T Cells: Central Concepts from Ontogeny to Therapy.

Authors :: Khor B
Source :: Transfusion medicine reviews [Transfus Med Rev] 2017 Jan; Vol. 31 (1), pp. 36-44. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Jul 26.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: The balanced differentiation of naive CD4 <superscript>+</superscript> T cells into either pro- or anti-inflammatory fates is a central regulator of immune homeostasis, dysregulation of which can lead to inflammatory disease or cancer. Accordingly, the development of diagnostics and therapeutics to measure and modulate this balance is of great interest. In this review, we focus on the predominant anti-inflammatory subset, regulatory T cells, discussing key concepts including development, function, antigen specificity, and lineage stability. In particular, we highlight how these notions are shaping the evolution of therapeutics, especially in the context of the transfusion medicine specialist, and identify several key areas that urgently need to be addressed.<br />Competing Interests: None.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)