Heterogeneity and subtypes of CD4+ regulatory T cells: implications for tumor therapy

Abstract

In the conventional view, CD4 + regulatory T cell (T reg ) represents a subset of lymphocytes that involve the perception and negative regulation of the immune response. CD4 + T reg plays an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. However, recent studies have revealed that CD4 + T reg do not suppress the immune response in some diseases, but promote inflammatory injury or inhibit tissue remodeling, suggesting the functional heterogeneity of CD4 + T reg . Their involvement in tumor pathogenesis is more complex than previously understood. This article reviews the relevant research on the heterogeneity of CD4 + T reg , subtype classification, and their relationship with tumor therapy.