The transcription factors c-Rel and RelA serve distinct roles in the devlopment and function of CD4 Regulatory T cells

免疫功能的一个不幸后果是，偶尔会产生攻击宿主的流氓免疫细胞，导致所谓的自身免疫性疾病，如关节炎的发展。正常情况下，一种叫做调节性T细胞的白细胞会抑制这些自我反应性免疫细胞。我们已经确定了在调节性T细胞中控制遗传程序的因素。了解这些因素是如何起作用的，将有助于开发对抗自身免疫性疾病的新策略。

An unfortunate consequence of immune function is that occasionally rogue immune cells are produced that attack the host and lead to the development of so-called autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. Normally a white blood cell called a regulatory T cell suppresses these self reactive immune cells. We have identified factors that govern genetic programs in regulatory T cells. Understanding how these factors work should permit the development of new strategies to combat autoimmune diseases.