Fig. 1.

Methods of enhancing Treg function in arthritis patients. Treg can be enhanced in arthritis patients via different methods: (A) isolation and ex vivo expansion of natural Treg or (B) in vitro induction of Treg from non-Treg (n-Tr), followed by reinfusion into the patient; (C) in vivo induction and expansion of Treg by anti-CD3 antibodies (αCD3), HADC inhibitors (HADCi) and neuropetides, such as VIP; (D) mucosal tolerization with self-antigen, preferably HSP; (E) indirect improvement of Treg function by enhancing the responsiveness of effector cells to suppression and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines.