Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Naïve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-β-containing Protocol
Published on: December 30, 2016
Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit Th1 differentiation by blocking IFN-gamma- and IL-12-mediated signaling
Hidekazu Shirota1, Mayda Gursel, Dennis M Klinman
1Section of Retroviral Immunology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
Repetitive TTAGGG motifs present at high frequency in mammalian telomeres can suppress Th1-mediated immune responses. Synthetic oligonucleotides (ODN) containing TTAGGG motifs mimic this activity and have proven effective in the prevention/treatment of certain Th1-dependent autoimmune diseases. This work explores the mechanism by which suppressive ODN block the induction of Th1 immunity. Findings indicate that these ODN inhibit IFN-gamma-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and IL-12-induced STAT3 and STAT4 phosphorylation. As a result, T-bet expression is reduced as is the maturation of naive CD4+ cells into Th1 effectors. These changes indirectly support the generation of Th2-dominated immune responses. Suppressive ODN may thus represent a novel approach to influence the Th1:Th2 balance in vivo.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a DNA...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

