What is the main function of suppressor T cells?

Suppressor T cells, also known as regulatory T cells, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the immune system by ensuring that immune responses are appropriately modulated. Their primary function is to suppress or downregulate the activation and proliferation of other immune cells, such as T cells and B cells. This suppression is crucial for preventing excessive immune responses that could lead to tissue damage or autoimmune disorders, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues.

In the context of immune responses, suppressor T cells help maintain tolerance to self-antigens and prevent overreactive responses to non-threatening antigens, such as those found in allergies.

Understanding the function of suppressor T cells is essential in grasping how the immune system operates in a balanced manner, ensuring that it can respond effectively to pathogens while preventing unnecessary attacks on the body's own tissues.