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Review
. 2007 Dec:220:199-213.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2007.00565.x.

'Yin-Yang' functions of transforming growth factor-beta and T regulatory cells in immune regulation

Yisong Y Wan  1 , Richard A Flavell
Affiliations
Review

'Yin-Yang' functions of transforming growth factor-beta and T regulatory cells in immune regulation

Yisong Y Wan et al. Immunol Rev. 2007 Dec.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and forkhead box p3-expressing T-regulatory (Treg) cells are critical in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. The immune suppressive functions of TGF-beta and Treg cells are widely acknowledged and extensively studied. Nonetheless, recent studies revealed the positive roles of TGF-beta and Treg cells in shaping the immune system and the inflammatory responses. This review discusses our and other's efforts in understanding the negative (Yin) as well as the positive (Yang) roles for TGF-beta and Treg cells in immune regulation.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. TGF-β inhibits and promotes immune responses by modulating the functions of immune cells
To inhibit immune responses, TGF-β suppresses the functions of Th1 and Th2 CD4+ effector cells and NK cells, and promotes the generation of Treg cells. To promote immune responses, TGF-β induces the generation of Th17 cells in combination with IL-6.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Yin-Yang roles for Foxp3-expressing cells in immune regulation
High levels of Foxp3 expression endow T-cell immune suppressive activities to suppress the function of effector T cells and DCs through cell contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms. T cells with high levels of Foxp3 expression promote Th17 cell differentiation, potentially through TGF-β. With decreasing Foxp3 expression, T cells can be converted into different types of effector T cells and direct the differentiation of conventional T cells towards different lineages.
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