Regulation of FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells and Th17 Cells by Retinoids. (27th February 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Chang H.
• Other Names: Shevach Ethan Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & developmental immunology. Volume 2008(2008)
• Publication Date: 2008-02-27
• Subjects: Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9638
• DOI: 10.1155/2008/416910
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2522

Abstract

Abstract : Vitamin A has both positive and negative regulatory functions in the immune system. While vitamin A is required for normal formation of immune cells and epithelial cell barriers, vitamin A deficiency can lead to increased inflammatory responses and tissue damage. The mechanism with which vitamin A and its metabolites such as retinoids negatively regulate inflammatory responses has not been clearly defined. Recently, it has been established that retinoids promote the generation of immune-suppressive FoxP3 + regulatory T cells while they suppress the T cell differentiation into inflammatory Th17 cells in the periphery such as intestine. These novel functions of retinoids provide a potentially important immune regulatory mechanism. In this review, we discuss the functions of retinoids in the development of the FoxP3 + cells and Th17 cells, the phenotype and functions of retinoid-induced FoxP3 + T cells, and the impact of retinoid-induced FoxP3 + T cells on the immune tolerance.