Antigen-specific regulatory T-cell subsets in transplantation tolerance - Regulatory T-cell subset quality reduces the need for quantity

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical controllers of the immune response. Disturbed Treg function results in autoimmunity, whereas in transplantation Treg are crucial in graft survival and transplant tolerance. Hence therapeutic modalities that influence Treg numbers or function hold great clinical opportunity. Ahead of us are clinical trails studying in vivo Treg induction protocols and immunotherapy with ex vivo expanded Treg. Here we discuss the preferential use and/or induction of antigen-specific Treg subsets with high suppressive power and migratory capacity as a potential therapeutic tool to prevent solid organ transplantation rejection. Accordingly, ex vivoselection procedures to induce and isolate highly suppressive antigen-specific Treg (subsets) are needed. This subject, as well as the Treg-facilitating potential of immunosuppressive agents, is discussed. (c) American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, 2006. Published by Elsevier Inc.