Regulatory T cells in spondyloarthropathies: genetic evidence, functional role, and therapeutic possibilities

Journal article

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a very specialized subset of T lymphocytes: their main function is controlling immune responses during inflammation. T-regs involvement in autoimmune and immune-mediated rheumatic diseases is well-described. Here, we critically review the up-to-date literature findings on the role of Tregs in spondyloarthropathies, particularly in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a polygenic inflammatory rheumatic disease that preferentially affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Genetics discoveries helped in elucidating pathogenic T-regs gene modules and functional involvement. We highlight T-regs tissue specificity as crucial point, as T-regs might have a distinct epigenomic and molecular profiling depending on the different site of tissue inflammation. Furthermore, we speculate about possible therapeutic interventions targeting, or enhancing, Treg cells in spondyloarthropathies.

Authors: Rodolfi, S; Davidson, C; Vecellio, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
• Volume: 14
• Pages: 1303640-1303640
• Article number: 1303640
• Publication date: 2024-01-15
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303640
• EISSN: 1664-3224
• ISSN: 1664-3224
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Immune system; Pathology; DNA methylation; Medicine; Gene; Biology; Inflammation; Epigenomics; Genetics; Disease; Gene expression; Immunology