Regulatory T cells and immune tolerance in the intestine

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2013 Jul 1;5(7):a018341. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a018341.

Abstract

A fundamental role of the mammalian immune system is to eradicate pathogens while minimizing immunopathology. Instigating and maintaining immunological tolerance within the intestine represents a unique challenge to the mucosal immune system. Regulatory T cells are critical for continued immune tolerance in the intestine through active control of innate and adaptive immune responses. Dynamic adaptation of regulatory T-cell populations to the intestinal tissue microenvironment is key in this process. Here, we discuss specialization of regulatory T-cell responses in the intestine, and how a breakdown in these processes can lead to chronic intestinal inflammation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / cytology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance*
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Intestines / cytology
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • Microbiota / physiology
  • Models, Immunological*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interleukin-10