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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse
Published on: October 25, 2024
Development, regulation and functional capacities of Th17 cells
Keiji Hirota1, Bruno Martin, Marc Veldhoen
1MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK.
Seminars in Immunopathology
|January 29, 2010
Summary
T helper 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct immune cell type crucial for fighting pathogens. However, they also contribute to autoimmune and allergic diseases, highlighting their complex role in immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T helper 17 (Th17) cells represent a distinct lineage within T helper cells, separate from Th1, Th2, and regulatory T (Treg) cells.
- Their development is characterized by specific cytokine requirements and intracellular signaling pathways, leading to the production of key cytokines like IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct characteristics and functional significance of Th17 cells.
- To understand the role of Th17 cells in host defense and their involvement in autoimmune and allergic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cytokine expression patterns in different T helper cell subsets.
- Investigation of Th17 cell involvement in animal models of autoimmune disorders.
Main Results:
- Th17 cells are essential for host defense against extracellular pathogens.
- Th17 effector molecules and transcription factors are critical for the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
- Th17 cells bridge innate and adaptive immunity, regulating immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Th17 cells play a dual role in immunity, contributing to both host defense and pathogenesis of immune-mediated disorders.
- Understanding Th17 cell biology offers insights into autoimmune diseases and potential therapeutic targets.
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