[Involvement of natural regulatory lymphocytes in allograft tolerance]

Abstract

Naturally occurring regulatory T-cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the homeostasis of healthy immune system. A Treg deficiency is responsible for immune system dysregulation, immune hyperreactivity and autoimmunity. Herein, we investigated the role of Tregs, either in the context of antibody-induced transplantation tolerance, mixed donor/recipient chimerism or in models of spontaneous graft acceptance without immunosuppression. We also investigated their capacities to control endotoxin-mediated immune response in the context of lymphopaenia-driven homeostatic T-cell proliferation. Finally, although Tregs adequately control Th1 and Th2 immunity, they are inefficient in regulating IL-17 producing T cells in vitro and in vivo and rather promote them.