Therapeutic approaches to allergy and autoimmunity based on FoxP3+ regulatory T-cell activation and expansion.

Forkhead box protein 3-positive regulatory T (Treg) cells are indispensable for the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. They can also be exploited for the treatment of immunologic diseases, including autoimmune diseases and allergy, by way of activating and expanding antigen-specific Treg cells in vivo. Cell therapy with in vitro activated and expanded Treg cells can be another therapeutic modality. The feasibility of such Treg cell-based therapeutic strategies is discussed based on recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of Treg cell development and function.