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T Cell Types and Functions

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...

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

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...

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

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...

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4⁺ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

Published on: October 25, 2024

Diversity and flexibility of Th17 effector functions.

Thomas Kamradt, Hyun-Dong Chang

Arthritis Research & Therapy

|May 6, 2011

Summary

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) producing CD4+ T-helper (Th17) cells drive inflammatory diseases like arthritis. However, Th17 cell plasticity and diverse functions complicate targeting them for autoimmune disease treatment.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cellular Biology

Background:

CD4+ T-helper (Th17) cells producing IL-17 are key drivers in inflammatory diseases, including arthritis.
Established pathways for Th17 cell differentiation are known, initially suggesting straightforward therapeutic targeting.

Discussion:

Recent findings reveal Th17 cell complexity, including co-expression of IL-17 with other cytokines (IFNγ, IL-4, IL-10), leading to varied functional outcomes.
Th17 cell identity is plastic; they can alter cytokine expression and lose IL-17 production, challenging stable therapeutic strategies.
Th17 cells can exhibit tissue-protective roles, even in inflammatory conditions, adding another layer of complexity to their manipulation.

Key Insights:

Th17 cell plasticity and diverse cytokine profiles complicate targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases.

More Related Videos

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Mouse Naïve CD4⁺ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Published on: April 16, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

In Vitro Differentiation of Naive CD4⁺ T Cells into Pathogenic Th17 Cells in Mouse

Published on: October 25, 2024

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Mouse Naïve CD4⁺ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Published on: April 16, 2015

IL-17 memory is not fixed, allowing Th17 cells to change their functional characteristics.

Th17 cells possess context-dependent tissue-protective functions, complicating their role as solely pathogenic.

Outlook:

Targeting Th17 cells or IL-17 requires a nuanced approach due to their complex biology.
Despite challenges, IL-17 remains a significant and intriguing target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.