key term - Regulatory T cells

Definition

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of T lymphocytes that modulate the immune system, maintain tolerance to self-antigens, and prevent autoimmune disease. They play a crucial role in controlling the immune response and preventing excessive inflammation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tregs express the transcription factor FoxP3, which is essential for their development and function.
2. They help suppress immune responses by inhibiting the activity of other T cells and antigen-presenting cells.
3. Deficiency or dysfunction of Tregs is associated with various autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Tregs can be naturally occurring (nTregs) or induced (iTregs) in the periphery from conventional T cells under specific conditions.
5. Cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-beta are critical for the suppressive functions of regulatory T cells.

Review Questions

Related terms

FoxP3: A transcription factor crucial for the development and function of regulatory T cells.

Autoimmune Disease: A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Cytokines:

Small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on interactions and communications between cells in immune responses.