Regulatory T cells and parasites

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2011:2011:520940. doi: 10.1155/2011/520940. Epub 2011 Dec 29.

Abstract

Human host encounters a wide array of parasites; however, the crucial aspect is the failure of the host immune system to clear these parasites despite antigen recognition. In the recent past, a new immunological concept has emerged, which provides a framework to better understand several aspects of host susceptibility to parasitic infection. It is widely believed that parasites are able to modulate the magnitude of effector responses by inducing regulatory T cell (Tregs) population and several studies have investigated whether this cell population plays a role in balancing protective immunity and pathogenesis during parasite infection. This review discusses the several mechanism of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in the human host and focuses on the functional role of Tregs and regulatory gene polymorphisms in infectious diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Parasites / immunology
  • Parasitic Diseases / immunology*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*