Immunoregulatory T cells play a key role in modifying the immune responses to self antigens, tumor antigens, and pathogenic organisms. This review summarizes recent data on naturally occurring CD4+ regulatory T cells that constitutively express CD25 (CD25+ Treg). We examine the markers that can be used to differentiate these cells from effector T cells, what is known about their mode of action in controlling the activity of effector T cells, the antigenic specificity of CD25+ Treg, and their ability to survive and to be selected in vivo. We also summarize specific information on the role of CD25+ Treg in controlling anti-tumor responses, an area were manipulation of this subset holds particular clinical promise.
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