Regulatory T cells

Definition

Regulatory T cells, often abbreviated as Tregs, are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. By suppressing the activation and proliferation of other immune cells, they help to modulate the immune response, ensuring that it does not become overly aggressive, especially in the context of the microbiome, where a balance is necessary to prevent inflammation or tissue damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Regulatory T cells primarily express the CD4 and CD25 markers, along with the transcription factor FoxP3, which is essential for their development and function.
2. These cells can be induced in response to specific antigens present in the microbiome, helping to maintain tolerance to non-harmful microbes.
3. Tregs can prevent excessive inflammation by secreting immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β, which inhibit other immune cell functions.
4. Inadequate regulatory T cell function has been linked to various autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions, highlighting their importance in maintaining immune balance.
5. Regulatory T cells can also interact with gut microbiota, influencing both local and systemic immunity by shaping the overall immune landscape.

Review Questions

• How do regulatory T cells contribute to the balance of immune responses in relation to the microbiome?
  • Regulatory T cells help maintain a balance in immune responses by suppressing excessive activation of other immune cells in response to microbial antigens. They are particularly important in the gut, where they recognize non-pathogenic microbes and prevent unnecessary inflammatory reactions. This balance ensures that beneficial microbes can coexist with the host without triggering harmful immune responses.
• Discuss the role of cytokines produced by regulatory T cells in modulating the immune response.
  • Cytokines produced by regulatory T cells, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, play a significant role in modulating the immune response. These cytokines inhibit the activation and proliferation of effector T cells and other immune cells, helping to suppress inflammation. By releasing these signaling molecules, Tregs can effectively dampen potentially harmful immune reactions, thus maintaining homeostasis within the immune system.
• Evaluate the implications of impaired regulatory T cell function in autoimmune diseases and its potential therapeutic targets.
  • Impaired function of regulatory T cells has serious implications for autoimmune diseases since their inability to effectively suppress unwanted immune responses can lead to tissue damage. Research is exploring therapeutic targets aimed at enhancing Treg function or increasing their numbers in affected individuals. Such therapies could restore balance to the immune system and provide new avenues for treating conditions like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, where autoimmune processes are driven by dysregulated immunity.

Related terms

T lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response, which includes various subtypes such as helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells.

Cytokines: Signaling molecules produced by immune cells that help to regulate the immune response, including the functions of regulatory T cells.

Autoimmunity: A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, often due to a failure of regulatory mechanisms, including those mediated by regulatory T cells.