A well adapted regulatory contrivance: regulatory T cell development and the forkhead family transcription factor Foxp3

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Abstract
The random generation of antigen receptors in developing lymphocytes results in a considerable risk of autoimmunity. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) act in a dominant, trans-acting way to actively suppress immune activation and maintain immune tolerance. Here, we discuss the principal advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Treg cell development and function with particular emphasis on the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3. Accumulating evidence suggests that Treg cells represent a dedicated T cell lineage and that Foxp3 functions as the Treg cell lineage specification factor. The aggressive early-onset lymphoproliferative syndrome resulting from Foxp3 deficiency identifies Treg cells as vital mediators of immunological tolerance to self and Foxp3 as the mediator of the genetic mechanism of dominant tolerance.