Regulatory T cells in the face of the intestinal microbiota

• Published in: Nature reviews. Immunology Vol. 23; no. 11; pp. 749 - 762
• Main Authors: Ramanan, Deepshika, Pratama, Alvin, Zhu, Yangyang, Venezia, Olivia, Sassone-Corsi, Martina, Chowdhary, Kaitavjeet, Galván-Peña, Silvia, Sefik, Esen, Brown, Chrysothemis, Gélineau, Adélaïde, Mathis, Diane, Benoist, Christophe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.11.2023; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/250/1619/554; 631/250/347; 692/4020/2741/2135; Antigens; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Food; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Foxp3 protein; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunology; Immunoregulation; Influence; Intestinal microflora; Intestine; Intestines; Lymphatic system; Lymphocytes; Lymphocytes T; Microbiota; Microorganisms; Oncology; Pathogenesis; Pathogens; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Review Article; Small intestine; T cell receptors; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Thymus gland; Transcription factors; Weaning
• ISSN: 1474-1733; 1474-1741; 1474-1741
• DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00890-w

Regulatory T cells (T reg cells) are key players in ensuring a peaceful coexistence with microorganisms and food antigens at intestinal borders. Startling new information has appeared in recent years on their diversity, the importance of the transcription factor FOXP3, how T cell receptors influence their fate and the unexpected and varied cellular partners that influence T reg cell homeostatic setpoints. We also revisit some tenets, maintained by the echo chambers of Reviews, that rest on uncertain foundations or are a subject of debate. Recent studies have highlighted the diversity and distinct nature of regulatory T cells in the intestine, where they must balance a multitude of signals from the microbiota and the diet to ensure immune homeostasis. But questions and controversies remain over their origins and regulation, as discussed here.