FoxA1 directs the lineage and immunosuppressive properties of a novel regulatory T cell population in EAE and MS

Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas and colleagues report on a previously undescribed population of regulatory T (Treg) cells that accumulate in the CNS in response to autoimmune inflammation and are induced by interferon-β (IFN-β). These cells, termed FoxA1+ Treg cells, express the transcription factor FoxA1+, which is required for their development and function. Individuals with multiple sclerosis that respond to IFN-β have an increased frequency of FoxA1+ Treg cells, suggesting that the induction of these cells may account for some of the protective effects of IFN-β.