What causes increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases when regulatory T cells (Tregs) are functionally impaired during early childhood development?

💡 Explanation

Impaired regulatory T cell function reduces the effectiveness of peripheral tolerance, because these cells normally suppress self-reactive lymphocytes in the periphery, preventing autoimmune reactions. Therefore, a breakdown leads to autoimmunity, rather than enhanced cytokine production which would be a consequence, not a root cause.

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