FOXP3 and GARP (LRRC32): The master and its minion

Abstract

The transcription factor FOXP3 is essential for the development and function of CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+regulatory T (Treg) cells, but also expressed in activated human helper T cells without acquisition of a regulatory phenotype. This comment focuses on glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP or LRRC32) recently identified as specific marker of activated human Tregcells, which may provide the missing link toward a better molecular definition of the regulatory phenotype. Reviewers: Dr Jim Di Danto, Dr Benedita Rocha and Dr Werner Solbach.© 2010 Probst-Kepper and Buer; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.