Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

14:23
Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
[Immune regulation by IL-27 for therapeutic usage]
1Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University.
Summary
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) suppresses immune responses by inhibiting inflammatory T helper cells and promoting IL-10. Its absence leads to severe inflammation, highlighting IL-27
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cytokine Biology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Cytokine-mediated immunity is central to diseases like autoimmunity.
- The IL-12 cytokine family, including IL-27, regulates T helper cell differentiation.
- IL-27 uniquely induces Th1 differentiation while suppressing immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-27 in immune regulation and disease pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms behind IL-27's immunosuppressive effects.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of IL-27 in autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Studies using IL-27 receptor alpha chain (WSX-1)-deficient mice.
- Infection models (e.g., Trypanosoma cruzi).
- Analysis of T helper cell differentiation (Th1, Th17) and cytokine production (IL-10).
Main Results:
- WSX-1-deficient mice exhibit hyper-inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
- IL-27 suppresses experimental allergic and inflammatory responses.
- IL-27 inhibits Th17 cell development and induces IL-10 production.
Conclusions:
- IL-27 plays a critical immunosuppressive role in host defense and homeostasis.
- IL-27's ability to suppress Th17 cells and induce IL-10 is key to its function.
- IL-27 administration shows therapeutic promise for autoimmune and allergic diseases like encephalitis, arthritis, and lupus.
Related Concept Videos
T 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...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Inflammatory 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,...

