(Journal Article): Pathogen-specific regulatory T cells provoke a shift in the Th1/Th2 paradigm in immunity to infectious diseases.
 
McGuirk P, Mills KH (Immune Regulation Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.)
 
IN: Trends Immunol 2002; 23(9):450-455
Impact Factor(s) of Trends Immunol: 13.075 (2004), 18.153 (2003), 15.507 (2002)

Fulltext:    HTML  PDF

ABSTRACT: Current dogma suggests that immunity to infection is controlled by distinct type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) subpopulations of T cells discriminated on the basis of cytokine secretion and function. However, a further subtype of T cells, with immunosuppressive function and cytokine profiles distinct from either Th1 or Th2 T cells, termed regulatory T (Tr) cells has been described. Although considered to have a role in the maintenance of self-tolerance, recent studies suggest that Tr cells can be induced against bacterial, viral and parasite antigens in vivo and might prevent infection-induced immunopathology or prolong pathogen persistence by suppressing protective Th1 responses. These observations have significant implications for our understanding of the role of T cells in immunity to infectious diseases and for the development of new therapies for immune-mediated disorders.

TYPE OF PUBLICATION: Original article

Articles citing this article:

• Thomas D, Zaccone P, Cooke A. The Role of Regulatory T Cell Defects in Type I Diabetes and the Potential of these Cells for Therapy. Rev Diabetic Stud 2005. 2: 9-18.
  » Diabetes OD » Reversal/Prevention of Diabete... » T1DM » Re-establishing Tolerance » Modifying Immunity » Journal Article