Cytokines and transcription factors that regulate T helper cell differentiation: new players and new insights

D Agnello, CSR Lankford, J Bream, A Morinobu… - Journal of clinical …, 2003 - Springer
D Agnello, CSR Lankford, J Bream, A Morinobu, M Gadina, JJ O'Shea, DM Frucht
Journal of clinical immunology, 2003Springer
The differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into subsets of T helper cells is a pivotal process
with major implications for host defense and the pathogenesis of immune-mediated
diseases. Though the basic paradigm was discovered more than 15 years ago, new
discoveries continue to be made that offer fresh insights into the regulation of this process
(1). T helper (TH) 1 cells produce interferon (IFN)-γ, promoting cell-mediated immunity and
control of intracellular pathogens. We now know that TH 1 differentiation is regulated by …
Abstract
The differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into subsets of T helper cells is a pivotal process with major implications for host defense and the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases. Though the basic paradigm was discovered more than 15 years ago, new discoveries continue to be made that offer fresh insights into the regulation of this process (1). T helper (TH)1 cells produce interferon (IFN)-γ, promoting cell-mediated immunity and control of intracellular pathogens. We now know that TH1 differentiation is regulated by transcription factors such as T-bet, Stat1, and Stat4, as well as cytokines such as IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, type I IFNs, and IFN-γ. In contrast, TH2 cells produce IL-4, which promotes allergic responses and is important in host defense against helminths. The transcription factors Stat6, GATA-3, c-Maf, NFATs, and the cytokine IL-4 promote TH2 differentiation. These key regulators of TH differentiation are the subject of this review.
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