title: Helper T-cell differentiation and plasticity: insights from epigenetics.
abstract: CD4(+)  T cells have critical roles in orchestrating immune responses to diverse microbial pathogens. This is accomplished through the differentiation of CD4(+)  T helper cells to specialized subsets in response to microbial pathogens, which evoke a distinct cytokine milieu. Signal transducer and activator of transcription family transcription factors sense these cytokines and they in turn regulate expression of lineage-defining master regulators that programme selective gene expression, resulting in distinctive phenotypes. However, phenotype and restricted gene expression are determined not only by the action of transcription factors; chromatin accessibility is required for these factors to exert their effect. Technical advances have greatly expanded our understanding of transcription factor action and dynamic changes in the epigenome that accompany cellular differentiation. In this review, we will discuss recent progress in the understanding of how cytokines influence gene expression and epigenetic modifications, and the impact of these findings on our views of helper cell lineage commitment and plasticity.
authors: Department of Lymphocyte Cell Biology Section, Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch, National Institutes of Arthritis, and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1930, USA. hiraharak@mail.nih.gov
authors: Kiyoshi
authors: K
authors: Hirahara
authors: Golnaz
authors: G
authors: Vahedi
authors: Kamran
authors: K
authors: Ghoreschi
authors: Xiang-Ping
authors: XP
authors: Yang
authors: Shingo
authors: S
authors: Nakayamada
authors: Yuka
authors: Y
authors: Kanno
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: O'Shea
authors: Arian
authors: A
authors: Laurence
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000276:immunology; D006657:Histones / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D006657:Histones; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors