CD4+ T-cell subsets in autoimmunity.
The discovery that functionally heterogeneous CD4+ T-cell subsets secrete different cytokines offers an explanation for the ability of certain T cells to mediate a predominant cell-mediated immune response versus a humoral response often accompanied by allergic manifestations. Th1 cells, important for cell-mediated immunity by their production of IL-2, IFN-gamma and lymphotoxin, have been implicated in the immunopathology of certain organ-specific autoimmune diseases whereas a role as regulators has been suggested for IL-4 and IL-10 producing Th2 cells. Recent findings, however, beg re-evaluation of the direct role of Th2 cells in the induction or maintenance of tolerance, whereas evidence for the role of a distinct subset of regulatory T cells producing TGF-beta to suppress cell-mediated immunopathology is compelling.
O'Garra
A
A
DNAX Research Institute, Palo Alto, USA.
Steinman
L
L
Gijbels
K
K
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines