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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Responding to infection and apoptosis--a task for TH17 cells
Corinna F Brereton1, J Magarian Blander
1Department of Medicine, Immunology Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) induce T helper 17 (T(H)17) cell differentiation by recognizing apoptotic cells and pathogens. This process is crucial for immune responses against infections causing host cell apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T helper 17 (T(H)17) cells are critical for adaptive immunity.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are key cytokines for T(H)17 cell differentiation.
- Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) orchestrate T cell differentiation through cytokine production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how APCs integrate signals from apoptotic cells and pathogens.
- To discuss the impact of simultaneous pattern recognition receptor activation on T helper cell differentiation.
- To explore the relevance for immune responses against bacterial infections causing host cell apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on T(H)17 cell differentiation and innate immunity.
- Analysis of cytokine milieu generated by APCs upon recognition of apoptotic cells and pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
- Examination of the role of host cell apoptosis in T(H)17 responses during bacterial infections.
Main Results:
- Innate recognition of apoptotic cells, alongside Toll-like receptor engagement, drives APCs to produce TGF-β and IL-6.
- This cytokine milieu promotes T(H)17 cell induction.
- Induction of T(H)17 responses against Citrobacter rodentium infection relies on the pathogen's ability to induce intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous activation of inflammatory and noninflammatory pattern recognition receptors on APCs influences T helper cell differentiation.
- Understanding this interplay is vital for comprehending immune responses to pathogens that induce host cell apoptosis.
- This mechanism highlights a critical link between cell death pathways and adaptive immunity.
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