[CD4+, CD25+ regulatory T-lymphocytes: current concepts and therapeutic potential].

: The subpopulation of CD4 T cells, characterized by a constitutive expression of CD25, plays a critical role in the regulation of multiple auto-immune diseases. These CD4+CD25+ T cells may act by inhibiting the activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ conventional T cells. These cells have a thymic origin and are auto-reactive. They have therapeutic potentials, not only in the control of autoimmune diseases, but also in the control of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease.