Cytokines and sympathy: the control of regulatory T cells

okines and sympathy: the control of regulatory T cells Review (3643) Total Article Views Authors: Robert E Cone, Sourojit Bhowmick Published Date April 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 41 - 47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJICMR.S6758 Robert E Cone, Sourojit Bhowmick Department of Immunology, Connecticut Lions Vascular Vision Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA Abstract: To ensure protection from external invaders, mitigate collateral damage from immune reactions, and prevent immune system responses against self, the immune response is highly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, cytokines, together with both adaptive and innate regulatory T cells. Moreover, the generation and function of adaptive and innate regulatory T cells is also under strong regulation by the sympathetic nervous system. Here we consider modulation of regulatory T cells by the sympathetic nervous system and cytokines that could lead to strategies for the enhancement of an immune response, or the prevention or mitigation of autoimmune diseases.