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T cell–directed therapies: lessons learned and future prospects

Nature Immunology volume 8, pages 25–30 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Agents interfering with T cell function are therapeutic mainstays for various autoimmune diseases and for transplant approaches to organ failure. The understanding of T cell biology has blossomed since the development of most agents now in use. Here we discuss T cell–specific agents now in use, others recently added to the therapeutic armamentarium and promising agents being investigated in clinical and preclinical studies. In addition, we reflect on the risks and benefits involved in the testing of such agents clinically, with examples of agents that have successfully been used in the clinic and agents that failed to reach therapeutic use.

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Figure 1: Molecular targets that modulate T cell function.

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Acknowledgements

Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, 20892, Maryland, USA

    Eric H Liu & David M Harlan

  2. Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, 20892, Maryland, USA

    Richard M Siegel

  3. Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, 20892, Maryland, USA

    John J O'Shea

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  1. Eric H Liu
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  2. Richard M Siegel
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Correspondence to John J O'Shea.

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Competing interests

The National Institutes of Health and J.J.O. hold a patent relating to Jak3 and immunosuppressive drugs.

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Liu, E., Siegel, R., Harlan, D. et al. T cell–directed therapies: lessons learned and future prospects. Nat Immunol 8, 25–30 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1429

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