Induction and effector functions of T(H)17 cells.
T helper (T(H)) cells constitute an important arm of the adaptive immune system because they coordinate defence against specific pathogens, and their unique cytokines and effector functions mediate different types of tissue inflammation. The recently discovered T(H)17 cells, the third subset of effector T helper cells, have been the subject of intense research aimed at understanding their role in immunity and disease. Here we review emerging data suggesting that T(H)17 cells have an important role in host defence against specific pathogens and are potent inducers of autoimmunity and tissue inflammation. In addition, the differentiation factors responsible for their generation have revealed an interesting reciprocal relationship with regulatory T (T(reg)) cells, which prevent tissue inflammation and mediate self-tolerance.
Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Estelle
E
Bettelli
Thomas
T
Korn
Mohamed
M
Oukka
Vijay K
VK
Kuchroo
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D020381:Interleukin-17; D014157:Transcription Factors