AUTHOR=Tomaszewicz Martyna , Ronowska Anna , Zieliński Maciej , Jankowska-Kulawy Agnieszka , Trzonkowski Piotr 

TITLE=T regulatory cells metabolism: The influence on functional properties and treatment potential

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122063

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122063

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>CD4<sup>+</sup>CD25<sup>high</sup>FoxP3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a small but substantial fraction of lymphocytes in the immune system. Tregs control inflammation associated with infections but also when it is improperly directed against its tissues or cells. The ability of Tregs to suppress (inhibit) the immune system is possible due to direct interactions with other cells but also in a paracrine fashion <italic>via</italic> the secretion of suppressive compounds. Today, attempts are made to use Tregs to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and rejection after bone marrow or organ transplantation. There is strong evidence that the metabolic program of Tregs is connected with the phenotype and function of these cells. A modulation towards a particular metabolic stage of Tregs may improve or weaken cells’ stability and function. This may be an essential tool to drive the immune system keeping it activated during infections or suppressed when autoimmunity occurs.</p>