Regulatory T Cells in Skin: Role of Foxp3+ CD4+ Tregs in Skin Homeostasis and Immune Tolerance

The document from 2017 reviews the role of Foxp3+ CD4+ Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in skin, emphasizing their significant presence and specialized functions in this organ. It notes that Tregs account for a substantial proportion of CD4+ T cells in both mouse and human skin, with unique molecular signatures and functions compared to Tregs in other organs. The review details how Tregs are involved in skin homeostasis, including facilitating hair follicle regeneration, wound healing, and promoting immune tolerance. It also discusses their migration patterns, maintenance, and interactions with other skin-resident cells. The document underscores the importance of Tregs in resolving inflammation and their potential as a slow-cycling, tissue-resident population that could be targeted for treating autoimmune diseases, cancers, and regenerative disorders. It highlights the need for further research to understand the antigen specificity and heterogeneity of skin Tregs, as well as their role in cancer and skin regeneration, to develop targeted therapies for immune-related skin diseases and cancer. The document does not specify the number of participants in the studies referenced.