Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

3.1K
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...
3.1K
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

17.0K
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...
17.0K
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

17.8K
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...
17.8K
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

9.9K
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...
9.9K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

An early burst of cytokine production before the first cell division influences CD8 T cell differentiation.

Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)·2025
Same author

Gfi1 controls the formation of effector-like CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells during chronic infection and cancer.

Nature communications·2025
Same author

Gfi1 controls the formation of effector CD8 T cells during chronic infection and cancer.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2024
Same author

Intrinsic IL-2 production by effector CD8 T cells affects IL-2 signaling and promotes fate decisions, stemness, and protection.

Science immunology·2022
Same author

Editorial overview: Viral immunology before COVID-19.

Current opinion in virology·2021
Same author

IL-10-producing Tfh cells accumulate with age and link inflammation with age-related immune suppression.

Science advances·2020

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Mouse Na&#239;ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
07:12

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

Published on: April 16, 2015

54.8K

IL-21 and T Cell Differentiation: Consider the Context.

Yuan Tian1, Allan J Zajac1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2170, USA.

Trends in Immunology
|July 9, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) influences T cell differentiation, but its effects on CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets are complex. This cytokine acts in a context-dependent manner to shape T cell development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine known to modulate T cell differentiation.
  • The precise roles and mechanisms of IL-21 in T cell subset generation are still being elucidated.
  • Existing research indicates that IL-21's impact on T cells can be context-dependent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of IL-21's role in CD4 and CD8 T cell differentiation.
  • To explore the cellular and molecular factors influencing IL-21's actions on T cells.
  • To propose a model for IL-21's context-dependent function in T cell subset development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on IL-21 and T cell differentiation.
  • Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying IL-21's effects.

More Related Videos

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
10:30

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice

Published on: January 25, 2017

9.3K
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&#239;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes
12:59

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

35.7K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Mouse Na&#239;ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
07:12

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

Published on: April 16, 2015

54.8K
Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice
10:30

Visualization of IL-22-expressing Lymphocytes Using Reporter Mice

Published on: January 25, 2017

9.3K
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&#239;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes
12:59

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Published on: September 26, 2013

35.7K
  • Synthesis of data to propose a functional model.

    • Main Results:

    • IL-21 significantly modulates the differentiation of both CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets.
    • The effects of IL-21 are complex and vary based on the experimental system.
    • Environmental cues, cellular factors, and molecular mediators impact IL-21's function.

    Conclusions:

    • IL-21 plays a critical role in shaping distinct T cell populations.
    • IL-21's influence on T cell development is context-specific.
    • Understanding these context-dependent actions is key to deciphering IL-21's immunological functions.