Regulatory T cells and immune tolerance in the intestine.

Journal article

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.

Authors: Harrison, O; Powrie, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 7
• Pages: a018341-a018341
• Publication date: 2013-07-01
• DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a018341
• EISSN: 1943-0264
• ISSN: 1943-0264
• Language: English
• Keywords: Humans; Immune Tolerance; Intestines; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Microbiota; Immunity, Cellular; Antigen-Presenting Cells; Interleukin-10; Models, Immunological; Gastrointestinal Tract; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory