How are regulatory T cells different from other T cells?

Basis of differentiation

Regulatory T cells

T cells

Definition 

Regulatory T cells are a specialized subset of T cells that are involved in suppressing immune response

T cells refers to a variety of T lymphocytes including cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells, all of which play different roles within the immune system

Role in the immune system

Tolerance, suppression

Effector responses 

Primary function 

Are responsible for suppressing overactive immune responses, thereby maintaining homeostasis and preventing the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues

Depends on the type of T cell: 

• Cytotoxic cells are responsible for killing foreign pathogens and malignant cells directly
• Helper T cells are responsible for activating and coordinating appropriate  immune responses 

Development 

Thymus or periphery

Thymus

Distribution

Found in all tissues

Found primarily in lymphoid tissues

Surface markers

Express high levels of the surface markers CD25+, FoxP3+, other common markers include: cd3 and cd4

Express T Cell Receptors (TCR). CD4+ is expressed on the ssurface of helper t cells, and CD8+ are expressed on the surface of cytotoxic t cells