Regulatory T cell function in autoimmune disease

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a failure of tolerance to own body components resulting in tissue damage. Regulatory T cells are gatekeepers of tolerance. This review focusses on the function and pathophysiology of regulatory T cells in the context of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis as well as systemic lupus erythematosus with an overview over current and future therapeutic options to boost Treg function.

Keywords

• Foxp3
• IL-2
• Regulatory T cells
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• SLE