Do the regulatory T cells play a role in the pathogenesis and therapy of type 1 diabetes?]

In the paper the current knowledge concerning the role of T regulatory cells in the pathogenesis and modern therapy of diabetes type 1 is discussed. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most well-known autoimmunological diseases. In its pathogenesis the destruction of pancreatic beta cells by autoreactive T lymphocytes plays the main role. It is considered that in the autoimmunologic reaction participate the disturbances in the number/function of T regulatory cells - responsible for the inhibition of hyperreactive immune response. According to the newest data the regulatory cells possess CD4+/ CD25++/CD127 low phenotype. Results concerning the role of T regulatory cells in the pathogenesis of diabetes are diverse, further both the experimental and clinical studies are required including the use of those cells in immunotherapy. Most authors observed the lack of number and/or function of T regulatory cells in type 1 diabetes. Among produced cytokines most valuable is TGF-p. Important disturbances in this field were also observed in the patients' families including the carriers of high-risk group genes. There are also ideas to use T regulatory cells in the prevention and therapy of diabetes. Some reports noted the role of T regulatory cells in the response to novel immunotherapies in diabetes like the use of TNF-a, anti-CD3 antibodies or dendritic cells inducing pancreatic islet tolerance. It is possible that further research will allow to use the immunotherapy including T regulatory cells in type 1 diabetes.