In a recent study published in Immunology , researchers investigated populations of regulatory T cells (Treg), a type of white blood cell, in various tissues. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified that regulatory T cells exist as a large, mobile population that continuously travels through the body to locate and repair damaged tissue. Immune reactions take place in tissues; however, the ways in which the components of the immune system regulate these reactions are unclear.
Regulatory T cells usually reside in lymphoid organs in the human body; recent research has identified their presence in non-lymphoid tissues. Regulatory T cells contribute to physiological homeostasis. These cells improve insulin sensitivity and lipid breakdown in fatty tissues, improve muscle repair, and promote cell differentiation in the brain.
Moreover, regulatory T cells prevent skin fibrosis and support intrauterine fetal growth. The immunological implications of regulatory T cells across different tissue types warrant further research. The present study explored regulatory T lymphocyte populations in non-lymphoid, lymphoid, and intestinal tissues, testing the seeding and specialization model.
The researchers examined Treg populations across 48 murine tissues and used flow cytometry to assess Treg phenotypes. They investigated markers associated with the activation and residency of regulatory T cells. They assessed vascular-exposed regulatory T populations using antibodies agains.
