Regulatory T cells are essential components of the immune system, and
several different subsets of regulatory T cells have been described.
Considerable regulatory function has been attributed to the CD4+CD25+ T
cell subset. These cells act by suppressing adaptive and possibly innate
immune responses thereby maintaining or restoring the balance between
immunity and tolerance. The suppressive effects of CD4+CD25+ regulatory
T cells are cell-contact-dependent but a role for soluble factors,
particularly in vivo, has been suggested as well.
Recent developments and viewpoints in the field of CD4+CD25+ regulatory
T cells as well as the potential use of regulatory T cells in
immunotherapy of inflammatory diseases are discussed in this volume. By
linking data from experimental models with recent findings from the
clinic, this book will be of interest to immunologists and other
biomedical researchers as well as clinicians interested in the
regulation and manipulation of the immune response during inflammatory
disease.