T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, have been associated with many aspects of skin disease. Current evidence suggests, however, that the role of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the development of cutaneous inflammation surpasses that of pro-inflammatory activation of effector T cells that direct the immune response. T cell subtypes with regulatory capacity, such as CD4+CD25+high Tregs, have been identified. Recent observations suggest that in some skin diseases the function of these cells is modified. Therefore, the development and function of Treg cells in Dermatology are currently attractive topics because of their importance in controlling the immune system response against tumors and infectious diseases, as well as in inhibiting auto-immunity and allergy development. Therefore, defective regulatory mechanisms may allow a breach in peripheral immune tolerance followed by chronic inflammation and disease. Functional abnormalities and contributions of different subtypes of regulatory T cells in the development of dermatological illnesses are detailed in this review. Possible targets for therapy and modifications of regulatory T cells caused by immunomodulators used in Dermatology are highlighted.
Dermatology; Skin diseases; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes; suppressor-inducer; Therapeutics
