title: Stability of Th1 and Th2 populations.
abstract: Using an in vitro model for the development of IFN-gamma-producing (Th1) and IL-4-producing (Th2) cells from CD4+ T lymphocytes expressing a transgenic TCR, we show that IL-12 and IL-4 are the most potent stimuli for the differentiation of naive T cells to effector populations. When combinations of cytokines are present during T cell priming, the effect of IL-4 is dominant. Furthermore, differentiated Th1 cells can be converted into IL-4 producers by exposure to IL-4, but the Th2 phenotype is not reversible. The stability of Th2 populations may limit the ability to regulate Th2-dominant responses in pathologic situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Perez
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lederer
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Lichtman
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Abbas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D018664:Interleukin-12; D015847:Interleukin-4