Perspective - Emerging challenges in regulatory T cell function and biology

Much progress has been made in understanding how the immune system is regulated, with a great deal of recent interest in naturally occurring CD4(+) regulatory T cells that actively engage in the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. The challenge ahead for immunologists is the further elucidation of the molecular and cellular processes that govern the development and function of these cells. From this, exciting possibilities are emerging for the manipulation of regulatory T cell pathways in treating immunological diseases and suppressing or augmenting physiological immune responses.