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Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
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The Treg/Th17 Axis: A Dynamic Balance Regulated by the Gut Microbiome
Sara Omenetti1, Theresa T Pizarro1
1Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine , Cleveland, OH , USA.
Frontiers in Immunology
|January 7, 2016
Summary
The gut microbiome influences the balance between T-helper 17 (Th17) and T-regulatory (Treg) cells in the intestine. This balance is crucial for maintaining gut health and preventing inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- T-helper 17 (Th17) and T-regulatory (Treg) cells are critical immune cells found at mucosal barriers, especially in the gut.
- These cells play opposing roles: Th17 cells combat pathogens, while Tregs suppress excessive immune responses and maintain tolerance.
- Their development is tightly regulated by factors like TGFβ, IL-6, and retinoic acid, with the gut microbiome also playing a significant role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the plasticity of Treg and Th17 cells.
- To explore how the gut microbiome dynamically regulates Treg and Th17 cell populations.
- To highlight the impact of this regulation on intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- It discusses the molecular mechanisms regulating Th17 and Treg cell differentiation.
- It examines the influence of microbial components and metabolites on immune cell populations.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiome significantly impacts the balance between Th17 and Treg cells through immunostimulatory signals.
- Specific gut bacteria and their metabolites can promote either pro-inflammatory Th17 responses or tolerogenic Treg responses.
- Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, can disrupt Treg/Th17 commitment, potentially leading to IBD.
Conclusions:
- Treg and Th17 cell plasticity is a key factor in intestinal immunity.
- The gut microbiome is a critical regulator of this plasticity, influencing immune homeostasis.
- Microbiome-driven alterations in Treg/Th17 balance are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Keywords:
T-helper 17 cellsT-regulatory cellsgut microbiomeinflammatory bowel diseaseintestinal homeostasisMore Related Videos
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