Revival of the regulatory T cell: new targets for drug development

Compelling new evidence supports the idea that regulatory T cells play a major role in our immune system. Several subsets of these regulators have been identified recently. Differences in the phenotypical and functional characteristics of these subsets have immunological implications. From our growing knowledge of the field of immunology, we could potentially generate a new class of therapeutic agents that target immune-related diseases. Compelling new evidence supports the idea that the recently re-discovered regulatory/suppressor T cell plays a central role in our immune system. This review enlightens new opportunities afforded by regulatory T cells for drug-induced, immune-based therapies.