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A Strategy for the Study of IL-9-Producing Lymphoid Cells in the Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection Model
Published on: March 3, 2023
From interleukin-9 to T helper 9 cells.
Michael Stassen1, Edgar Schmitt, Tobias Bopp
1Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 13, 2012
Summary
Interleukin-9 (IL-9) was once thought to be Th2-specific, but is now known to be produced by distinct Th9 cells. This review explores Th9 cell development, functions, and relationships with other T helper subsets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-9 (IL-9) was initially characterized as a Th2 cytokine.
- Its role in asthma, IgE switching, and parasitic infections was linked to Th2 cells.
- Recent findings identified IL-9-producing CD4(+) T cells as a distinct subset: Th9 cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cytokines and transcription factors driving Th9 cell differentiation.
- To discuss the functional properties of Th9 cells and IL-9's biological activities.
- To explore the relationship between Th9 cells and other T helper subsets (Th2, Th17, T(reg)).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cytokines and transcription factors.
- Analysis of functional properties of IL-9 and Th9 cells.
- Discussion of T cell differentiation plasticity.
Main Results:
- Th9 cells are a distinct CD4(+) T cell subset that produces IL-9.
- Specific cytokines and transcription factors promote Th9 cell development.
- Th9 cells share functional aspects with Th2 cells and interact with Th17 and T(reg) cells.
Conclusions:
- Th9 cells represent a unique T helper subset with significant immunologic roles.
- Understanding Th9 cell biology is crucial for interpreting IL-9 functions.
- The plasticity of CD4(+) T cell differentiation, including Th9 involvement, is a key area of ongoing research.
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