Therapy with regulatory T-cell infusion in autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation: A review of the strengths and limitations

Abstract

In the last decade, cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of some diseases, earning the definition of being the “third pillar” of therapeutics. In particular, the infusion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is explored for the prevention and control of autoimmune reactions and acute/chronic allograft rejection. Such an approach represents a promising new treatment for autoimmune diseases to recover an immunotolerance against autoantigens, and to prevent an immune response to alloantigens. The efficacy of the in vitro expanded polyclonal and antigen-specific Treg infusion in the treatment of a large number of autoimmune diseases has been extensively demonstrated in mouse models. Similarly, experimental work documented the efficacy of Treg infusions to prevent acute and chronic allograft rejections. The Treg therapy has shown encouraging results in the control of type 1 diabetes (T1D) as well as Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis and delaying graft rejection in clinical trials. However, the best method for Treg expansion and the advantages and pitfalls with the different types of Tregs are not fully understood in terms of how these therapeutic treatments can be applied in the clinical setting. This review provides an up-to-date overview of Treg infusion-based treatments in autoimmune diseases and allograft transplantation, the current technical challenges, and the highlights and disadvantages of this therapeutic approaches.”