The role of T-regulatory cells in immune senescence

Abstract

T-regulatory cells have come to dominate immunology over the last decade [1]. The ability of cellular components of the immune system to suppress immune function was noticed more than 20 years ago and was recognized by a number of highly cited publications [2]. However, the lack of a specific phenotype for these cells, and an inability to document precise physiological mechanisms for their action, limited their investigation by detailed experimental study. The pioneering work of Sakaguchi and colleagues reestablished regulatory cells and has generated a field of research that extends into all areas of clinical immunology, including immune senescence [3].