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=Regulatory T Cells=
 
=Regulatory T Cells=
 
A number of cell populations identified during studies on autoimmunity and organ transplantation have shown the capacity to suppress responses to self-antigen and regulate rejection. Although once considered a tentative theory, this form of tolerance is now considered a major mechanism in the protection of host tissue from immune attack.  
 
A number of cell populations identified during studies on autoimmunity and organ transplantation have shown the capacity to suppress responses to self-antigen and regulate rejection. Although once considered a tentative theory, this form of tolerance is now considered a major mechanism in the protection of host tissue from immune attack.  
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[[Image:T reg cells.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Regulatory T cells- copyright Brian Catchpole]]
 
* Known as '''regulatory T cells''', these CD4+ cells are antigen-specific
 
* Known as '''regulatory T cells''', these CD4+ cells are antigen-specific
 
* Currently thought to develop in the thymus
 
* Currently thought to develop in the thymus
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