Plasticity of T-cell phenotype and function: the T helper type 17 example.

摘要: Mature T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells antagonize the development of opposing subset to sustain lineage-specific responses. However, recent identification a third distinct - Th17 lineage collapses established Th1/Th2 dichotomy raises intriguing questions about T-cell fate. In this review, we discuss in context effector regulatory lineages. Initial studies suggested reciprocal developmental pathways between Th17/Th1 subsets Th17/regulatory subsets, identified multiple mechanisms by which Th1 generation cells. observations reveal susceptibility differentiated polarization enhancement memory factors interferon-gamma T-bet. addition, new data indicate late-stage plasticity subpopulation cells, can be selectively induced adopt phenotype. Elucidating that undermine cross-lineage suppression facilitate these phenotype shifts will not only clarify flexibility differentiation, but may also shed insight into pathogenesis autoimmunity cancer. Furthermore, understanding phenomena critical for design immunotherapy seeks disrupt responses suggest ways manipulate balance pathogenic lymphocytes restoration homeostasis.