Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) and the University of Washington published findings today in the Journal of Experimental Medicine that illustrate a novel mechanism for regulatory T cells’ (Tregs) role in maintaining balance in a healthy immune system. Tregs prevent the immune system from overreacting to harmless substances and from reacting to the body’s own cells, which leads to autoimmunity. While several mechanisms for how Tregs suppress immune system activation have been proposed, the molecular changes that Tregs induce to suppress the immune response have previously remained unclear. These new results show that when Tregs interact with CD4 effector T cells (Teffs), the cells that promote an inflammatory response, they suppress protein synthesis, preventing cell division and the production of more Teffs.
