New complexities in helper T cell fate determination and the implications for autoimmune diseases
Hiroaki Takatori1 , Yuka Kanno1 , Zhi Chen1,2 , John J. O’Shea1
22 February 2008
1 June 2008
5 August 2008
PDF (member's only)
Recently, new complexities in cell fate decision for helper T cells have emerged. One new lineage, which has come to be called Th17 cells, selectively produces proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-17 (IL-17, A and F), IL-21, and IL-22. In conjunction with transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1), IL-6, IL-21, and IL-23, which activate the transcription factor, signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), the expression of another transcription factor, retinoic acidrelated orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) leads to the differentiation of Th17 cells in mice. Other cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-27 inhibit Th17 differentiation. However, IL-2 acting with TGFβ-1 induces differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells to become regulatory T cells (Tregs). Th17 cells are now known to play an important role not only in the pathogenesis of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, but also host defense against extracellular bacteria. Conversely, extensive data substantiate the role of Tregs as essential in maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Selectively targeting Tregs and Th17 cells are likely to be important strategies in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans.
Th17 cells - Autoimmune diseases - Inflammation - IL-17 - Rheumatoid arthritis