Elucidating the regulation of T cell subsets (review).
CD4-positive T lymphocytes mainly direct immune as well as autoimmune responses against a variety of pathogens or allergens. This is achieved through the acquisition of specialized functions followed by differentiation into various T cell subsets. The differentiation process of naive T cells into effector subsets is regulated by dendritic cells and secreted cytokines. Signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins play critical roles in transmitting cytokine-mediated signals and specifying T cell differentiation. Epigenetic changes such as histone acetylation and methylation along with DNA methylation also regulate expression of differentiation-specific genes. Defining exactly how extrinsic signals control the specification of T cells will provide important insights and therapeutic opportunities.
Department of Environmental Health Science, Nara Women's University,                     Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan.
Yasuko
Y
Kitagishi
Mayumi
M
Kobayashi
Yurie
Y
Yamashina
Satoru
S
Matsuda
D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000502:physiology*
D016207:Cytokines