The genetics of immunoregulatory T cells.

The immune repertoire of normal, healthy individuals contains autoreactive T cells and natural antibodies that, under normal conditions, are controlled, either through central tolerance or by the activity of immunoregulatory T cells to prevent the onset of autoimmune diseases. Over the years, several types of immunoregulatory T cells have been identified. These include natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T (Treg) cells and type 1 NKT cells, which develop in the thymus, as well as acquired immunoregulatory T cells, such as type 1 cells (Tr1), Th3 cells, Ts cells and anergic CD4 T cells, which all appear to be products of peripheral immune activation. While little is understood about the genetics of most types of immunoregulatory T cell, detailed information on the genetic control of NKT and Treg cells is now available and may contribute significantly to our understanding of the aetiology of autoimmune disease.