Regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T Lymphocytes (Tregs)

Regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T lymphocytes (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that play a critical role in maintaining immune system balance. They suppress the activation and proliferation of other immune cells to prevent excessive or misdirected immune responses. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the surface markers CD4 and CD25 and the transcription factor Foxp3, which is essential for their development and function. They are crucial for maintaining peripheral tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. Tregs employ several mechanisms to exert their immunosuppressive effects, including secretion of inhibitory cytokines, induction of apoptosis in effector cells, modulation of dendritic cell function, and production of immunosuppressive adenosine.

Other names

Regulatory T cellsCD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells

Immunosuppression via cytokine secretion (IL-10, TGF-beta, IL-35), cytolysis (Granzyme B), metabolic disruption (CD39/CD73), and modulation of dendritic cell function.