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Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

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...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function
11:50

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

Published on: November 4, 2016

Multi-tasking of helper T cells.

Yisong Y Wan1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC 27599-7295, USA. wany@email.unc.edu

Immunology
|June 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary

CD4 T helper cells, crucial for immunity, were once thought to be committed to specific types. Emerging evidence shows these cells possess plasticity, allowing conversion between types under certain conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • CD4 T helper (Th) cells are vital for pathogen defense and immune balance.
  • The traditional Th1-Th2 paradigm has expanded to include Th17, Th9, follicular helper T, and regulatory T cells.
  • These specialized Th cell subsets were historically considered terminally differentiated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the major subtypes of CD4 T helper cells involved in immune regulation.
  • To detail the inter-convertibility of Th cell subtypes under in vitro and in vivo conditions.
  • To discuss the underlying mechanisms driving Th cell plasticity and transdifferentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on T helper cell differentiation and plasticity.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence from in vitro and in vivo models.

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Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
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Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Published on: May 27, 2011

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function
11:50

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

Published on: November 4, 2016

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
08:52

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Published on: May 27, 2011

  • Synthesis of current understanding regarding molecular mechanisms of Th cell conversion.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence suggests that committed Th cells can exhibit plasticity and convert into other effector cell types.
    • Inter-conversion between various Th cell subsets has been observed under specific experimental conditions.
    • Mechanisms underlying this plasticity are being elucidated, revealing dynamic regulatory pathways.

    Conclusions:

    • The concept of fixed Th cell differentiation is challenged by evidence of significant plasticity.
    • Understanding Th cell inter-convertibility is crucial for developing novel immunotherapies.
    • Further research into the mechanisms of Th cell plasticity will advance immune regulation strategies.