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Regulatory T cells in the control of immune pathology

Nature Immunology volume 2, pages 816–822 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

It is now well established that regulatory T (TR) cells can inhibit harmful immunopathological responses directed against self or foreign antigens. However, many key aspects of TR cell biology remain unresolved, especially with regard to their antigen specificities and the cellular and molecular pathways involved in their development and mechanisms of action. We will review here recent findings in these areas, outline a model for how TR cells may inhibit the development of immune pathology and discuss potential therapeutic benefits that may arise from the manipulation of TR cell function.

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Figure 1: TR cells are a normal product of thymic selection.
Figure 2: TR cells can mediate their effector function via multiple mechanisms.
Figure 3: Model for the control of pathogenic immune responses by TR cells.

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Acknowledgements

We thank O. Annacker, S. Read, D. Mason, L. Stephens and A. Gallimore for numerous helpful discussions and critical review of the manuscript. K. M. and F. P. are supported by the Wellcome Trust.

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  1. Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK

    Kevin J. Maloy & Fiona Powrie

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Maloy, K., Powrie, F. Regulatory T cells in the control of immune pathology. Nat Immunol 2, 816–822 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni0901-816

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ni0901-816

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