The NF-kappaB signalling pathway is involved in the LPS/IL-2-induced upregulation of FoxP3 expression in human CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells.

Regulatory T cells (Treg) have been found to be central for host defense regulation against microbial antigens, the prevention of allergic and autoimmune diseases and the suppression of effective tumor immune responses. However, the influence of the microenvironment and the mechanisms leading to their activation in the periphery still remain unclear. In vitro infection models revealed that survival and suppressive function of Treg is improved when they are confronted with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).