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Updated: May 24, 2026

Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
Published on: April 16, 2015
Helper T cell diversity and plasticity
Shingo Nakayamada1, Hayato Takahashi, Yuka Kanno
1Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. nakayamadas@mail.nih.gov
Abstract:
CD4(+) helper T cells play crucial roles for host defense and immune-mediated disease by their ability to differentiate into specialized subsets. These subsets attain restricted patterns of cytokine secretion and specific expression of master transcription factors in response to microbial pathogens. Classically, the various helper CD4(+) T cell subsets have been viewed as terminally differentiated lineages with limited flexibility. However, following the recognition of new subsets, there is increased recognition of plasticity. In this review, we highlight recent advances that pertain to this topic and the mechanisms that contribute to helper CD4(+) T cell differentiation and plasticity.
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