T-bet as a possible therapeutic target in autoimmune disease

Abstract

The prominent role of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by T helper-1 (TH1) cells in regulating autoimmune responses in vitro and in vivo has been demonstrated. Recent observations of T cell polarisation by regulatory transcription factors - especially T-bet (T-box: expressed in T cells) - raise the question of their influence in controlling autoimmune diseases. Here, the authors summarise recent observations of the role of T-bet in controlling chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and discuss the implications of these findings for future therapeutic approaches.