Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

12:59
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Th17 cells induce a distinct graft rejection response that does not require IL-17A
E I Agorogiannis1, F S Regateiro, D Howie
1University of Oxford, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
Summary
Tissue damage by helper T (Th17) cells in skin grafts does not require IL-17A. These cells caused epidermal hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration, independent of IL-17A or interferon gamma neutralization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Helper T (Th17) cells are implicated in autoimmune diseases and graft rejection.
- The precise mechanisms of Th17-mediated tissue damage are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue-damaging capabilities of Th17 cell lines in allogeneic skin grafts.
- To determine the role of IL-17A in Th17-induced pathology.
Main Methods:
- Generated CD4(+) Th17 cell lines from TCR transgenic mice.
- Adoptively transferred Th17 cells into lymphopenic mice with allogeneic skin grafts.
- Analyzed graft pathology, including epidermal hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration.
- Utilized antibody-mediated neutralization of IL-17A and IFNγ.
Main Results:
- Transferred Th17 cells induced graft damage characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and neutrophil infiltration.
- Th17 cells maintained their phenotype in vivo and in vitro.
- Neutralization of IL-17A or IFNγ did not prevent Th17-induced pathology or neutrophil infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Tissue damage mediated by Th17 cells can occur independently of IL-17A.
- These findings challenge the established role of IL-17A as the sole mediator of Th17-induced pathology.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
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...
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...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...

