Stability of Th1 and Th2 populations.
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.
Perez
V L
VL
Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Lederer
J A
JA
Lichtman
A H
AH
Abbas
A K
AK
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*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D018664:Interleukin-12; D015847:Interleukin-4