Immune Immune 99: A Nobel for immune tolerance
Dec 30, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of regulatory T cells, which recently garnered a Nobel Prize for their role in preventing autoimmunity. The hosts dive into the history of suppressor T cells, the pivotal findings of FOXP3 mutations in mice, and how these discoveries relate to human diseases like IPEX syndrome. They also discuss the challenges of identifying true regulatory T cells and the mechanisms through which they exert their influence. Tune in for a compelling exploration of immunology's breakthroughs and ongoing mysteries!
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Regulatory T Cells Reframe Immune Self-Tolerance
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) explain how the immune system prevents self-reactivity and autoimmunity.
- Historical suppressor T cell work was messy but seeded the modern Treg field.
Gershon's Suppressor T Cells Story
- Vincent recalls Richard Gershon's early 'suppressor T cell' work and its mixed reception.
- Gershon died before the field revived and his ideas were vindicated.
CD25 Marked Tregs But Wasn’t Specific
- Sakaguchi identified CD4+CD25+ cells as protective against autoimmunity in thymectomized animals.
- CD25 alone was unreliable because activation also induces CD25 expression on non-regulatory T cells.