Epigenetic control of thymic Treg-cell development

Abstract

Thymus-derived Treg cells, which express the transcription factor Foxp3, form a functionally stable cell lineage indispensable for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. Foxp3 is critically required for Treg-cell function, in particular for their suppressive function. Recent studies have implicated the contribution of Treg-cell-specific epigenetic modifications as a means to ensure the stable expression of Foxp3 and other molecules associated with Treg-cell function. Unexpectedly, epigenetic modifications introduced in the course of thymic Treg-cell development were found to be independent of Foxp3 expression. These findings require reconsideration of the current model of Treg-cell development based on Foxp3 induction. With reference to other examples of lineage specification, we discuss possible models for thymic Treg-cell development.