CTLA-4 Control over Foxp3⁺Regulatory T Cell Function

Naturally occurring Foxp3 + CD4 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Here, we show that a specific deficiency of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in Tregs results in spontaneous development of systemic lymphoproliferation, fatal T cell–mediated autoimmune disease, and hyperproduction of immunoglobulin E in mice, and it also produces potent tumor immunity....