CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells in human systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a loss of immune tolerance to self antigens and by the persistent production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Recent studies have suggested a dysregulation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), particularly CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ (forkhead box P3) Tregs, as one of the major factors conferring the risk for expression of human autoimmune diseases, including SLE. However, detailed studies of CD4+FoxP3+ T-cells in patients with SLE remain limited. We attempt here to integrate the current experimental evidence to delineate the role of CD4+CD25high and other subsets of CD4+FoxP3+ T-cells in human SLE.