Abstract:
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), characterized by the expression of Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3), constitute a distinct subset of T cells crucial for immune regulation. Tregs can exert direct and indirect control over immune homeostasis by releasing inhibitory factors or differentiating into Th-like Treg (Th-Treg), thereby actively contributing to the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The epigenetic regulation of FOXP3, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and post-translational modifications, governs the development and optimal suppressive function of Tregs. In addition, Tregs can also possess the ability to maintain homeostasis in diverse microenvironments through non-suppressive mechanisms. In this review, we primarily focus on elucidating the epigenetic regulation of Tregs as well as their multifaceted roles within diverse physiological contexts while looking forward to potential strategies involving augmentation or suppression of Tregs activity for disease management, particularly in light of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
摘要:
调节性T细胞(Tregs),以叉头盒P3(FOXP3)的表达为特征,构成对免疫调节至关重要的T细胞的独特子集。Tregs可以通过释放抑制因子或分化为Th样Treg(Th-Treg)来直接和间接控制免疫稳态,从而积极促进自身免疫性疾病的预防和治疗。FOXP3的表观遗传调控,包括DNA甲基化,组蛋白修饰,和翻译后修饰,控制Tregs的发展和最优抑制函数。此外,Tregs还可以具有通过非抑制机制在不同微环境中维持稳态的能力。在这次审查中,我们主要专注于阐明Tregs的表观遗传调控以及它们在不同生理环境中的多方面作用,同时期待涉及增加或抑制Tregs活性用于疾病管理的潜在策略。特别是考虑到正在进行的全球COVID-19大流行。