Tissue regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert pivotal functions in both immune and metabolic regulation, maintaining local tissue homeostasis, integrity, and function. Accordingly, Tregs play a crucial role in controlling obesity-induced inflammation and supporting efficient muscle function and repair. Depending on the tissue context, Tregs are characterized by unique transcriptomes, growth, and survival factors and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. This functional specialization offers the potential to selectively target context-specific Treg populations, tailoring therapeutic strategies to specific niches, thereby minimizing potential side effects. Here, we discuss challenges and perspectives for niche-specific Treg targeting, which holds promise for highly efficient and precise medical interventions to combat metabolic disease.
GrantsDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Helmholtz Munich Innovation and Translation Fund 2023 EFSD/JDRF/Lilly Program on Type 1 Diabetes Research 2020 Research Group at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Excellence Program for Outstanding Female Scientists from the Helmholtz Association