Function and Therapeutic Intervention of Regulatory T Cells in Immune Regulation

Abstract

Although the detailed mechanisms of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in regulating immune responses have not been completely clarified yet, Tregs therapy on autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation is making robust progress, along with the gradually enhancing knowledge of the Tregs function. In this chapter, on the basis of summarizing the immunomodulatory functions of Tregs, we reviewed the latest scientific progress and status of our understanding, as well as the prospect of stimulation and expansion of Tregs in vivo and in vitro followed by adoptive transfer or autologous cell therapy in animal models and clinical trials, respectively. Moreover, we also assessed the current technological limitation and potential side effects of polyclonal and antigen-specific Tregs-based approaches and techniques, to promote the development of rescue, revive, or rejuvenate Tregs in the therapeutic intervention to treat autoimmune diseases and transplantation.