Alternatively, because both Tregs and FOXP3-effector T cells require activation by cognate antigen in order to function, it is possible that the antigen specificity of Tregs is poorly matched to that of effector T cells in IBD, such that disproportionately more effectors than Tregs are activated by local antigen in the intestinal mucosa. The gene discussed is FOXP3; the disease is inflammatory bowel disease.