Regulatory T-cell therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: more questions than answers

摘要: T regulatory (Treg) cells are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis and establishing tolerance to foreign, non-pathogenic antigens including those found in commensal bacteria food. Because of their multiple suppressive mechanisms, Tregs represent a promising strategy engineering self non-self chronic inflammatory diseases. Already clinical trials the transplantation setting, question remains whether this therapy would be effective treatment mucosal diseases that do not pose an immediate threat life. In review we will discuss evidence from both animal models patients suggesting Treg beneficial context bowel disease (IBD). We examine role T-cell versus dysfunction IBD putative could potential targets antigen-directed therapy. Finally, challenges using discussed, with specific emphasis on microbiota may play outcome treatment. As becomes bedside reality field transplantation, there is great hope it soon also deployed setting ultimately prove more than current non-specific immunosuppressive therapies.