Antigen-specific regulatory T cells--their induction and role in infection.

In addition to the well-established role of natural CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Tr) cells in the maintenance of tolerance to self-antigens, there is accumulating evidence for distinct populations of Tr cells induced in the periphery after encounter with pathogens and foreign antigens. These antigen-specific T cells, termed Tr1 or Th3 cells, secrete IL-10 and or TGF-beta, but no IL-4 and little or no IFN-gamma, and are induced by semi-mature dendritic cells under the influence of regulatory cytokines, including IL-10, TGF-beta and IL-4. Tr1 or Th3 cells are capable of suppressing Th1 and Th2 responses and function in infection to limit pathogen-induced immunopathology, but can also be exploited in therapies for immune-mediated diseases.