Control of regulatory T cells by co-signal molecules

Abstract

Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) perform a vital function in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. A large part of Treg suppressive function is derived from their ability to control and restrict the availability of co-signal molecules to other T cells. However, Tregs themselves also depend on many of the same co-signals for their own homeostasis, making this a complex system of feedback. In this chapter, we discuss the critical role of co-signaling in Treg cell biology.