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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:59
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
[Th17 cells, a novel proinflammatory effector CD4 T cell population]
Stéphane Leung-Theung-Long1, Sylvie Guerder
1Inserm, U563, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, CHU Purpan, Bâtiment A, BP 3028, Place du Docteur Baylac, 31024 Toulouse Cedex, France. stephane.leung-theung-long@inserm.fr
Medecine Sciences : M/S
|November 29, 2008
Summary
The discovery of T helper 17 (Th17) cells challenges the traditional Th1-Th2 model. These cells, producing IL-17 and IL-22, are crucial for immunity and autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Context:
- The established Th1-Th2 paradigm in T cell immunity has been a dominant framework for over two decades.
- Recent immunological research has identified a new subset of CD4 effector T cells, known as Th17 cells.
Purpose:
- To introduce and describe the characteristics and functions of the newly discovered Th17 cells.
- To re-evaluate the existing understanding of CD4 effector T cell responses in light of this discovery.
Summary:
- Th17 cells are characterized by their production of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-22 (IL-22).
- These cytokines confer pro-inflammatory properties, enhancing neutrophil recruitment for controlling extracellular bacteria, particularly at epithelial surfaces.
- Th17 cells are implicated as key inducers of autoimmune pathologies like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and rheumatoid arthritis, roles previously ascribed to Th1 cells.
Impact:
- The identification of Th17 cells underscores the diversity of effector CD4 T cell responses.
- Highlights the critical importance of precisely regulating these distinct effector cell populations for maintaining tissue homeostasis and integrity.
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