Elucidating the regulation of T cell subsets (Review)

作者:Kitagishi Yasuko; Kobayashi Mayumi; Yamashina Yurie; Matsuda Satoru*
来源:International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2012, 30(6): 1255-1260.
DOI:10.3892/ijmm.2012.1152

摘要

CD4-positive T lymphocytes mainly direct immune as well as autoimmune responses against a variety of pathogens or allergens. This is achieved through the acquisition of specialized functions followed by differentiation into various T cell subsets. The differentiation process of naive T cells into effector subsets is regulated by dendritic cells and secreted cytokines. Signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins play critical roles in transmitting cytokine-mediated signals and specifying T cell differentiation. Epigenetic changes such as historic acetylation and methylation along with DNA methylation also regulate expression of differentiation-specific genes. Defining, exactly how extrinsic signals control the specification of T cells will provide important insights and therapeutic opportunities.

  • 出版日期2012-12