Foxp3+ Treg cells in humoral immunity

JB Wing, S Sakaguchi - International immunology, 2014 - academic.oup.com
International immunology, 2014academic.oup.com
Treg cells are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of
autoimmunity. In humoral immune responses, loss of Treg cell function causes increased
levels of serum autoantibodies, hyper-IgE, spontaneous generation of germinal centres, and
enhanced numbers of specialised T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) controlled by the
lineage-defining transcription factor BCL-6 (B-cell lymphoma 6). Recent studies have
demonstrated that a subset of Treg cells [T follicular regulatory (Tfreg) cells] are able to co …
Abstract
Treg cells are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. In humoral immune responses, loss of Treg cell function causes increased levels of serum autoantibodies, hyper-IgE, spontaneous generation of germinal centres, and enhanced numbers of specialised T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) controlled by the lineage-defining transcription factor BCL-6 (B-cell lymphoma 6). Recent studies have demonstrated that a subset of Treg cells [T follicular regulatory (Tfreg) cells] are able to co-opt the follicular T-cell program by gaining expression of BCL-6 and travelling to the follicle where they have an important role in the control of expansion of Tfh cells and the germinal centre reaction. However, the mechanisms by which they exert this control are still under investigation. In this review, we discuss the effects of Treg cells on humoral immunity and the mechanisms by which they exert their regulatory function.
Oxford University Press