Human Regulatory T Cells: Role in Autoimmune Skin Diseases and Post-Transplant Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

The document discusses the role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in autoimmune skin diseases and post-transplant nonmelanoma skin cancers. Tregs are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and homeostasis. Mutations in Tregs can lead to autoimmune diseases and an overabundance can inhibit anti-tumor immunity. In autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis, vitiligo, and systemic sclerosis, Tregs lose their suppressive capability, leading to exacerbated inflammation and disease progression. Post-transplant, the ratio of Tregs to CD8+ T cells affects transplant success, but can also increase cancer risk. Low-dose IL-2 treatment can expand Treg cells and improve hair growth in alopecia areata patients, but its use has declined due to high toxicity. The document concludes that understanding Treg mechanisms could lead to the development of targeted Treg-based therapies.