Regulation of the Immune Response — Inducer and Suppressor T-Lymphocyte Subsets in Human Beings

Abstract

HUMAN T lymphocytes are endowed with the capacity to recognize specific antigens, execute effector functions, and regulate the type and intensity of virtually all cellular and humoral immune responses.¹ Two major functionally distinct subsets of T cells have been defined with heteroantiserums, autoantibodies, and monoclonal antibodies directed at stable cell-surface antigens.^{2 3 4 5 6 7 8} Both have been independently programmed for their respective inducer (helper) and cytotoxic/suppressor functions during intrathymic differentiation. This review focuses on the biology of human regulatory T-cell subpopulations in health and disease.Development of T LymphocytesA thymic microenvironment is necessary for the differentiation of T cells in all species. . . .