Forkhead box P3-positive regulatory T cell (FOXP3+ Treg)

Forkhead box P3-positive regulatory T cells are a specialized subset of **CD4-positive lymphocytes** that express the transcription factor **FOXP3**. These cells play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis by suppressing excessive or inappropriate immune responses. They are critical for self-tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. In cancer, increased numbers or activity of these cells can inhibit effective anti-tumor immunity and correlate with poor prognosis[1][2][3]. Conversely, deficiency or dysfunction leads to severe autoimmune syndromes such as IPEX syndrome[2]. Therapeutically, strategies have been developed both to enhance their function in autoimmunity and transplantation settings and to deplete them in cancer therapy[2][4]. Note on correctness: The submitted target name "Forkhead box P3 positive CD4-positive T cell" refers not to a single molecule but rather an entire **cell population** defined by co-expression markers—CD4 surface protein and nuclear FOXP3 transcription factor. The canonical molecular target is the transcription factor **FOXP3**, while the full cellular phenotype is best described as "FOXP3-positive regulatory T cell" or "CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cell." This distinction is important because most drug discovery efforts focus on either modulating this entire population's abundance/function or directly targeting the FOXP3 protein itself within these cells[1][2][4].

Other names

Regulatory T cellCD4-positive FOXP3-positive T cellCD4+FOXP3+ TregScurfin-positive regulatory T cell