CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells: a therapeutic target for liver diseases

Abstract

Background: Regulatory T cells (T_regs) have been shown to play an important role in maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis by suppressing autoreactive and allergen-specific T cells and turning off the immune response after the pathogen has been cleared. However, in certain situations T_regs can impair effective immunity to some pathogens and tumour cells. Objective: To review the role of T_regs in liver pathology and to assess the potential to enhance or inhibit their function as applied to the treatment of liver disease. Methods: The literature was reviewed using standard indexing terms and incorporating publications up to and including those published in 2007. Results/conclusions: T_regs are therapeutic targets for modulation in autoimmune disease and may provide new opportunities for application to human liver conditions.

Keywords::

• autoimmune liver disease
• chronic hepatitis B
• chronic hepatitis C
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• immune therapy
• regulatory T cells
• T_regs

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