Regulatory T cell enhancement

Regulatory T cells are a specialized subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes characterized by expression of the transcription factor FOXP3 and high levels of CD25 (IL-2 receptor α chain). They play a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis and self-tolerance by suppressing activation and proliferation of other immune cells, including effector T cells. Treg enhancement is a therapeutic approach that seeks to boost Treg cell numbers or function, for example to treat autoimmune diseases, by leveraging pathways controlling their differentiation (e.g., TGF-β, IL-2), epigenetic modifications, or cell-surface receptors involved in immune modulation. However, enhancement of Treg activity poses risks including dampened anti-tumor responses and increased infection susceptibility.

Other names

TregCD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cellSuppressor T cell

Not applicable for a molecule—but enhancement is typically achieved via cytokine signaling (IL-2, TGF-β), receptor agonism (CTLA-4, CD28 modulation), epigenetic modulation (e.g., via PRMT inhibitors)