Regulatory T Cells in Autoimmune Diseases and Their Potential

The document discussed the role of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases, particularly alopecia areata (AA), where hair follicles are attacked by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. It highlighted the importance of regulatory cell subsets, such as CD4+/CD25+ cells, in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. In the C3H/HeJ mouse model, a reduction in these regulatory cells was linked to AA susceptibility. In humans, an increase in CD4+/CD25+ cells was observed during active AA, but these cells showed impaired regulatory function. The study suggested that enhancing the function of regulatory T cells and reducing apoptosis resistance in pathogenic cells could be potential therapeutic strategies for AA.