Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
06:16
Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity
Published on: December 7, 2019
Cytokines and T-cell homeostasis
Onur Boyman1, Jared F Purton, Charles D Surh
1Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, Switzerland. onur.boyman@chuv.ch
Current Opinion in Immunology
|April 17, 2007
Summary
T-cell homeostasis maintains normal immune cell counts, governed by cytokines. Interleukin-7 and Interleukin-15 are key for T-cell survival and proliferation, with other factors also playing roles.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T-cell homeostasis is crucial for immune system function, involving maintaining and restoring T-cell numbers.
- Cytokines are primary regulators of T-cell homeostasis through extrinsic signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of various cytokines and transcription factors in T-cell homeostasis.
- To understand the mechanisms governing T-cell proliferation and survival.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing evidence on cytokine signaling and transcription factor involvement.
- Focuses on the functions of Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and Interleukin-15 (IL-15) in T-cell maintenance.
Main Results:
- IL-7 and IL-15 are central to the homeostatic proliferation and survival of mature CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.
- Other cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, interferons, TGF-beta) and transcription factors (T-bet, eomesodermin) contribute to T-cell homeostasis at different stages.
Conclusions:
- T-cell homeostasis is a complex process regulated by a network of cytokines and transcription factors.
- IL-7 and IL-15 play critical roles, but a broader array of molecular signals fine-tunes T-cell populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...