Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Th17 cells in mucosal immunity and tissue inflammation
1Department of Genetics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. jkolls@lsuhsc.edu
T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells that produce the effector molecules IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Th17 cells have been shown to have critical roles in autoimmunity and tissue inflammation. However, emerging evidence also shows these cells are critical regulators of host immunity against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections at mucosal surfaces. Moreover, these cells can be induced following vaccination and have been shown to be critical for vaccine efficacy against both extracellular and intracellular pathogens. In this issue, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the function of Th17 cells and where these cells fit in protective immunity and immunopathology.
T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells that produce the effector molecules IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Th17 cells have been shown to have critical roles in autoimmunity and tissue inflammation. However, emerging evidence also shows these cells are critical regulators of host immunity against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections at mucosal surfaces. Moreover, these cells can be induced following vaccination and have been shown to be critical for vaccine efficacy against both extracellular and intracellular pathogens. In this issue, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the function of Th17 cells and where these cells fit in protective immunity and immunopathology.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
