Regulatory T cells and infection: Suppression revisited

Abstract

Within the last few years, regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have re-entered the stage of immunology. This astonishing revival is mainly due to recent studies on peripheral tolerance, which demonstrated the existence of Treg cells and allowed the isolation and phenotypic and functional characterization of these cells. However, information on the role of Treg cells in the control of immune responses against infections is still limited, although host defense represents the prime function of the immune system. In this overview, we summarize current knowledge on Treg cells in immunity to infection, discuss potential functions of Treg cells during infection, and finally, point to possible implications of Treg cell functions for our understanding of fundamental aspects of host-pathogen interactions. © 2004 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.