treg

The regulatory T cells ( Tregs /ˈtiːrɛɡ/ or Treg cells ) , formerly known as suppressor T cells, are a subpopulation of T cells that modulate the immune system, maintain tolerance to self - antigens, and prevent autoimmune disease. Tregs are immunosuppressive and generally suppress or downregulate induction and proliferation of effector T cells. [1] Tregs express the biomarkers CD4, FOXP3, and CD25 and are thought to be derived from the same lineage as na�ve CD4 cells. [2] Because effector T cells also express CD4 and CD25, Tregs are very difficult to effectively discern from effector CD4 , making them difficult to study. Recent research has found that the cytokine TGFβ is essential for Tregs to differentiate from na�ve CD4 cells and is important in maintaining Treg homeostasis. [3]