Division of Pediatric Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
J Mol Cell Biol. 2012 Feb;4(1):29-37. doi: 10.1093/jmcb/mjr033. Epub 2011 Dec 8.
Since its rediscovery in the mid-1990s, FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have climbed the rank to become commander-in-chief of the immune system. They possess diverse power and ability to orchestrate the immune system in time of inflammation and infection as well as in time of harmony and homeostasis. To be the commander-in-chief, they must be equipped with both offensive and defensive weaponry. This review will focus on the function of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as the sword, the wand, and the shield of Tregs. Functioning as a sword, this review will begin with a discussion of the evidence that supports how Tregs utilize TGF-β to paralyze cell activation and differentiation to suppress immune response. It will next provide evidence on how TGF-β from Tregs acts as a wand to convert naïve T cells into iTregs and Th17 to aid in their combat against inflammation and infection. Lastly, the review will present evidence on the role of TGF-β produced by Tregs in providing a shield to protect and maintain Tregs against apoptosis and destabilization when surrounded by inflammation and constant stimulation. This triadic function of TGF-β empowers Tregs with the responsibility and burden to maintain homeostasis, promote immune tolerance, and regulate host defense against foreign pathogens.
自 20 世纪 90 年代中期被重新发现以来，叉头框蛋白 P3（FOXP3）+调节性 T 细胞（Treg）已经晋升为免疫系统的总司令。它们具有多种功能和能力，可以在炎症和感染时以及在和谐与平衡时协调免疫系统。要成为总司令，它们必须配备进攻和防御武器。这篇综述将重点介绍转化生长因子-β（TGF-β）作为 Treg 的剑、魔杖和盾牌的功能。作为一把剑，本综述将首先讨论支持 Treg 利用 TGF-β来使细胞激活和分化瘫痪以抑制免疫反应的证据。接下来，将提供证据说明 Treg 产生的 TGF-β 如何充当魔杖，将幼稚 T 细胞转化为 iTreg 和 Th17，以帮助它们对抗炎症和感染。最后，该综述将介绍 TGF-β 由 Treg 产生在保护和维持 Treg 免受炎症和持续刺激周围的细胞凋亡和失稳方面的作用的证据。TGF-β 的这种三重功能赋予了 Treg 维持体内平衡、促进免疫耐受和调节宿主防御外来病原体的责任和负担。
