Regulatory T cells: Genetic modifications and impact on disease treatment

Abstract

Regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs, play a significant role in the immune system since they control cells such as mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils. For this reason, it is necessary to understand the activation mechanisms of Tregs, such as inhibitory cytosines, cytolysis, metabolic alteration, and dendritic cells. Due to Tregs's functions and scientific advances in genetic engineering, the manipulation of these cells has been achieved. In this sense, gene transfer using Lenti-/Retro Virus has been using transposases and reprogrammable nuclease systems. However, it is crucial to consider that genetic engineering has helped generate Tregs and increase their specificity, which contributes considerably to treating diseases, thanks to using chimeric antigens and transgenic T cells (CAR and TCR, respectively). Therefore, the classification of regulatory T cells is given according to their origin, as is the case of shy Tregs, which develop in the thymus, and conventional T cells, which are induced in vivo. Finally, it is essential to consider that these Tregs are being used in stage I/II clinical trials to obtain precise results on their safety, viability, and efficacy. Keywords: Regulatory T cells; Tregs; genetically engineered