T-regulatory Lymphocyte (Treg)

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subpopulation of CD4+ lymphocytes that play a critical role in modulating the immune system. Their primary function is to maintain immune homeostasis and self-tolerance by suppressing excessive or misdirected immune responses, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases and limiting chronic inflammation. Tregs are characterized by the expression of CD25 and the transcription factor FOXP3. They can be either natural (nTregs) developing in the thymus or induced (iTregs) differentiating in the periphery. Tregs exert their suppressive functions through various mechanisms, including cytokine secretion (IL-10, TGF-β), CTLA-4 mediated downregulation of costimulatory molecules, IL-2 deprivation, and adenosine production. Tregs play a significant role in autoimmune disease prevention, cancer progression/modulation, and transplant/fetal tolerance.

Other names

Regulatory T cellSuppressor T cell

Immunosuppression via cytokine secretion (IL-10, TGF-β), CTLA-4 mediated downregulation of costimulatory molecules, IL-2 deprivation, adenosine production