The "anti-aggression" T cells can be distinguished from other cells of the immune system because they have a characteristic trait on their surface: the protein "integrin aE b7".

While the T cells use it as an anchor in order to attach to other cells, it works as a kind of name-tag for the scientists: with the aid of this integrin, they can identify and separate out the particularly effective regulatory T cells.

Using the "aE b7" T cells, the scientists from the Charité and the German Rheumatism Research Center were able to carry out an impressive experiment. If protective cells from mice are inserted into the intestine of a mouse without T cells, not only the intestinal bacteria, but also the tissue are attacked:the supervising cells, which would ordinarily prevent this, are missing.

If, however, the T cells with the "aE b7" label are added simultaneously, the attack on the intestine is effectively prevented. Somehow, these cells manage to curb the vandalism of the defensive cells, and they manage to do this much better than other regulatory T cells.

A sign of hope for people suffering from autoimmune diseases as the “aE b7"-cells could possibly be utilized for the therapy of such patients.