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Intermediate Technical IVT

Tregs

Pronunciation: T-regs

Also written as: Tregs — regulatory T cells

Regulatory T cells that suppress immune responses and maintain immunological homeostasis.

Full Definition

Tregs (regulatory T cells) are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune disease. These cells express the transcription factor FOXP3 and function to suppress immune responses through various mechanisms including cytokine production (IL-10, TGF-β), direct cell contact, and metabolic regulation. In neuroinflammatory diseases, Tregs play a critical role in limiting tissue damage and promoting resolution of inflammation. Dysfunction or depletion of Tregs has been implicated in various autoimmune neurological conditions, and therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing Treg function are being investigated for treating neuroinflammatory diseases.

Usage

Usage note: Capitalize as an abbreviation. Always plural when referring to the cell population.

In Context

  • "Peripheral blood analysis revealed decreased Tregs frequency in patients with active multiple sclerosis." — Clinical research study
  • "Therapeutic interventions aimed at expanding Tregs may help control neuroinflammation." — Treatment development paper

Also known as

regulatory T cells suppressor T cells

Contrasted with

effector T cells Th1 cells

Don't confuse with

Th17 cells memory T cells cytotoxic T cells

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