T-cell and B-cell Immunology

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes that suppress excessive immune responses, preventing the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. Their identity and function depend critically on the transcription factor Foxp3, which acts as a master regulator, and on signals such as IL-2 and TGF-β that govern whether a T cell becomes tolerogenic or pro-inflammatory. Disruptions in Treg development or thymic selection can tip this balance toward autoimmunity, while an overabundance of Tregs in tumor microenvironments can shield cancer cells from immune clearance. Researchers are actively working to understand how Treg stability is maintained in memory populations over time, and how these cells might be selectively expanded or depleted to treat autoimmune disease and cancer without broadly compromising immune defense.

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Keywords

Foxp3TGF-ßCD4+CD25+Immune ToleranceAutoimmunityThymic Selection