Exp Mol Med.  2011 Jan;43(1):1-6. 10.3858/emm.2011.43.1.007.

Genetic controls of Th17 cell differentiation and plasticity

• Dong C

• KMID: 991617
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3858/emm.2011.43.1.007

Abstract

CD4+ T lymphocytes play a major role in regulation of adaptive immunity. Upon activation, naive T cells differentiate into different functional subsets. In addition to the classical Th1 and Th2 cells, several novel effector T cell subsets have been recently identified, including Th17 cells. There has been rapid progress in characterizing the development and function of Th17 cells. Here I summarize and discuss on the genetic controls of their differentiation and emerging evidence on their plasticity. This information may benefit understanding and treating immune diseases.

Keyword

CD4-positive T-lymphocytes; cell differentiation; cytokines; Th17 cells; transcription factors

MeSH Terms

Animals
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology/*immunology
Cell Differentiation
Cell Lineage
Cytokines/*genetics
Epigenesis, Genetic
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Interleukin-17/immunology/metabolism
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
Th1 Cells/immunology
Th17 Cells/*immunology
Th2 Cells/immunology
Transcription Factors/*genetics
Transcription, Genetic