Next-generation immunotherapy: regulatory T-cells

Abstract

Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) control the activity of immune cells and suppress the development of inflammation, maintaining the immune balance necessary for the body. Dysfunctions of Tregs are associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune and oncological diseases. With systemic and organ-specific autoimmune reactions, as well as organ transplantation, a decrease in the function of Tregs is observed. While in the course of oncogenesis, the activity of Tregs prevents the development of an adequate immune response to tumor antigens, promotes the processes of angiogenesis and uncontrolled growth of transformed cells. Taking into account the important function of Tregs in the control of autoimmunity and oncogenesis, approaches to immunotherapy of inflammatory pathologies based on autologous and donor Tregs, as well as methods of activating an antitumor immune response as a result of selective blockade of the functional activity of Tregs, are being actively developed. The review provides an overview of technologies for modulating the activity of Tregs for the treatment of cancer, autoimmunity and adverse reactions after transplantation.