Biochemistry Questions Biochemistry Questions / Discuss the significance of regulatory T cells in immune regulation, including their synthesis of IL-10 and TGF-beta. How do these cells contribute to preventing autoimmune responses and downregulating inflammation?

Regulatory T cells are involved in suppressing the immune response against self or microbiota-derived responses. By secreting IL-10, T helper cell activity is suppressed, reducing the immune response and preventing the killing of self-cells. Regulatory T cells also prevent immune responses to commensal bacteria, such as those found in the GI microbiota.