autologous regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25hi FOXP3+)

Autologous regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25hi FOXP3+) is an investigational cell therapy being developed by Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This therapy involves the ex vivo isolation and expansion of a patient's own regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are characterized by the expression of CD4, high levels of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25), and the master transcription factor FOXP3. Once expanded, these cells are re-infused into the patient to restore immune tolerance and dampen the chronic inflammation in the colonic mucosa. Tregs play a pivotal role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by suppressing the activity of pro-inflammatory effector T cells and other immune cells through mechanisms such as the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10, TGF-beta) and direct cell-to-cell contact mediated by molecules like CTLA-4. This approach aims to provide a targeted, long-lasting therapeutic effect for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis.

Other names

autologous CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ regulatory T cellsautologous Treg therapyautologous regulatory T cells