Driven by methodological success in identifying reliable lineage markers, regulatory T cells have quickly been recognized as the most numerous subset of immune regulators in the body with critical functions in a wide array of immune responses. In Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field to offer a collection of current techniques to advance the study of regulatory T cells, including the use of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain and other markers, as well as the more recently desirable use of the transcription factor FoxP3. Divided into three sections, the book covers, in equal measure, in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known methodological pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols distills the most vital current techniques through several years of optimization and standardization in order to allow reliable and reproducible use by both young and experienced cellular and molecular immunologists.

Driven by methodological success in identifying reliable lineage markers, regulatory T cells have quickly been recognized as the most numerous subset of immune regulators in the body with critical functions in a wide array of immune responses. In Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field to offer a collection of current techniques to advance the study of regulatory T cells, including the use of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain and other markers, as well as the more recently desirable use of the transcription factor FoxP3. Divided into three sections, the book covers, in equal measure, in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known methodological pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Regulatory T Cells: Methods and Protocols distills the most vital current techniques through several years of optimization and standardization in order to allow reliable and reproducible use by both young and experienced cellular and molecular immunologists.

T cells belong to a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes and play a large role in the immune response. An increased understanding of T cell immunity will provide new insights into the aetiology of human autoimmune disease such as diabetes.

This volume reviews the latest developments and discusses the evolution of T cell immunity, thymic requirements, and how to prevent T cell-dependent autoimmunity.

* Discusses new discoveries, approaches, and ideas in T cell immunity * Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts * Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

Regulatory T Cells in Health and Disease focuses on the mechanism by which T cells become regulatory T cells, the processes which control the number of regulatory T cells in the blood and tissue, and the ways in which regulatory T cell prevent autoimmune disease and interact with infections and cancer.