Suppressor effector T cells, also known as regulatory T cells or Tregs, are a specialized subset of T cells that play a vital role in maintaining immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. These cells have the unique capacity to suppress the activity of other immune cells, primarily effector T cells and antigen-presenting cells, to prevent excessive immune responses and minimize tissue damage.
Suppressor effector T cells are characterized by the expression of specific cell surface markers, such as CD25 and Foxp3, which are crucial for their regulatory functions. These cells can be generated from naïve T cells in response to various signals, including cytokines like transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-2 (IL-2).
Once activated, suppressor effector T cells exert their immunosuppressive effects through various mechanisms. They can directly inhibit the function of effector T cells and effector B cells by releasing immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β or by cell-to-cell contact-mediated suppression. Moreover, suppressor effector T cells can modulate antigen-presenting cells' activity, limiting the presentation of antigens to other inflammatory immune cells.
The role of suppressor effector T cells extends beyond immune regulation and inflammation control. These cells have been implicated in the modulation of autoimmune diseases, transplantation tolerance, allergy and asthma, cancer progression, and infectious diseases.
In summary, suppressor effector T cells are a subset of T cells that act as immunoregulatory cells by suppressing the immune response and maintaining immune tolerance. They play a crucial role in preventing excessive immune reactions and maintaining the balance of the immune system.
