Regulatory (suppressor) T cells in peripheral allograft tolerance and graft-versus-host reaction.

Among the mechanisms capable of inducing peripheral tolerance, regulatory (suppressor) T cells (Treg) probably play a key role in the control of both reactivity to self-antigens and alloimmune response. Augmentation or manipulation of Treg could improve organ allograft survival or control graft-versus-host disease, thus resulting in operational tolerance. The role of this immunomanipulation as one method of inducing tolerance has yet to be clearly defined.