Defective development and function of CD4(+)CD25(high+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.
In the present study, we present a brief overview of the results obtained by our group in association with the centers belonging to the Italian Immunopathology Group, as to the expression levels and biological significance of circulating regulatory CD4+CD25+brightFOXP3+ T cells in a variety of immune-mediated skin diseases (such as psoriasis, scleroderma, bullous pemphigoid and GvHD), together with preliminary results achieved in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-related dermatoses.