Suppressor inducer T lymphocytes, also known as T regulatory cells or Tregs, are a specific type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis and self-tolerance within an organism. These cells are characterized by the expression of certain markers, including CD4, CD25, and the transcription factor Foxp3.
The main function of suppressor inducer T lymphocytes is to control and suppress excessive immune responses by downregulating the activity and effector functions of other immune cells, such as T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, and B cells. They achieve this through various mechanisms, including the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), as well as direct cell-to-cell contact.
Suppressor inducer T lymphocytes are involved in regulating immune responses to self-antigens, preventing autoimmune diseases, and controlling immune reactions against harmless environmental or commensal antigens. Dysfunction or deficiency of these cells can lead to the development of autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections.
These unique immune cells are generated in the thymus during T cell development and can also be induced in the periphery from naive CD4+ T cells under certain conditions. The study and manipulation of suppressor inducer T lymphocytes hold great promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and graft rejection.
