CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells: a therapeutic target for liver diseases.

Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play an important role in maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis by suppressing autoreactive and allergen-specific T cells and turning off the immune response after the pathogen has been cleared. However, in certain situations Tregs can impair effective immunity to some pathogens and tumour cells.

Objective: To review the role of Tregs in liver pathology and to assess the potential to enhance or inhibit their function as applied to the treatment of liver disease.

Methods: The literature was reviewed using standard indexing terms and incorporating publications up to and including those published in 2007.

Results/conclusions: Tregs are therapeutic targets for modulation in autoimmune disease and may provide new opportunities for application to human liver conditions.