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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
The role of T helper subsets in autoimmunity and allergy
1Division of Molecular Immunology, The MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK. mveldho@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
The classification of T helper (T(H)) cells in subsets has progressively expanded and more effector subsets, besides T(H)1 and T(H)2, have been documented. These include follicular helper T cells (T(FH)), and the more recent T(H)17, 'T(H)9', and 'T(H)22'. In addition, T(H) are no longer thought of as terminally committed effector cells, with plasticity now recognized. Identification of the molecular mechanisms that drive differentiation of T(H) cells has established a link between environmental factors and T(H) subsets, with regard to both the initiation and severity of immune disorders. The role of T(H) in autoimmune-disorders and allergic-disorders is now re-evaluated, with current data suggesting a central role for T(H)17 in orchestrating adaptive-immune responses, while T(FH) are instrumental in coordinating B cell immunity.
The classification of T helper (T(H)) cells in subsets has progressively expanded and more effector subsets, besides T(H)1 and T(H)2, have been documented. These include follicular helper T cells (T(FH)), and the more recent T(H)17, 'T(H)9', and 'T(H)22'. In addition, T(H) are no longer thought of as terminally committed effector cells, with plasticity now recognized. Identification of the molecular mechanisms that drive differentiation of T(H) cells has established a link between environmental factors and T(H) subsets, with regard to both the initiation and severity of immune disorders. The role of T(H) in autoimmune-disorders and allergic-disorders is now re-evaluated, with current data suggesting a central role for T(H)17 in orchestrating adaptive-immune responses, while T(FH) are instrumental in coordinating B cell immunity.
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