Cytokines and sympathy: The control of regulatory T cells

Abstract

To ensure protection from external invaders, mitigate collateral damage from immune reactions, and prevent immune system responses against self, the immune response is highly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, cytokines, together with both adaptive and innate regulatory T cells. Moreover, the generation and function of adaptive and innate regulatory T cells is also under strong regulation by the sympathetic nervous system. Here we consider modulation of regulatory T cells by the sympathetic nervous system and cytokines that could lead to strategies for the enhancement of an immune response, or the prevention or mitigation of autoimmune diseases. © 2010 Cone and Bhowmick, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.