CD103+ GALT DCs promote Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Abstract

There is evidence that Foxp3+ regulatory T (TR) cells contribute to intestinal homeostasis and that deficiencies in this population can lead to chronic intestinal inflammation. Here, we review recent studies that demonstrate that the gut is a site of peripheral generation of TR cells. Functionally specialized gut dendritic cell populations promote TR cells through a transforming growth factor-β and retinoic acid-dependent mechanism. Gut-driven TR cells may represent a tissue-specific mechanism to broaden the repertoire of TR cells focussed on the gut. © 2008 Society for Mucosal Immunology.