Specific Control of Immunity by Regulatory CD8 T Cells

T lymphocytes with dedicated suppressor function (Treg) play a crucial role in the homeostatic control of immunity in the periphery. Several Treg phenotypes have now been identified in the CD4 and CD8 T cell populations,suggesting their down-regulatory function in both human and animal models of autoimmunity, transplantation and tumor immunity. Here we will focus on the CD8 Treg population and their ability to specifically inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response. This review will detail the current advances in the knowledge of CD8 Treg in the context of antigen specificity, phenotype, MHC restriction, mechanism of action, and priming.

T lymphocytes with dedicated suppressor function(Treg)play a crucial role in the homeostatic control of immunity in the periphery.Several Treg phenotypes have now been identified in the CD4 and CD8 T cell populations, suggesting their down-regulatory function in both human and animal models of autoimmunity,transplantation and tumor immunity.Here we will focus on the CD8 Treg population and their ability to specifically inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response.This review will detail the current advances in the knowledge of CD8 Treg in the context of antigen specificity,phenotype,MHC restriction,mechanism of action,and priming.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2005;2(1):11-19.