Late developmental plasticity in the T helper 17 lineage

Immunity. 2009 Jan 16;30(1):92-107. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2008.11.005.

Abstract

Development of T helper (Th) 17 cells requires transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interleukin (IL)-6 and is independent of the Th1 pathway. Although T cells that produce interferon (IFN)-gamma are a recognized feature of Th17 cell responses, mice deficient for STAT4 and T-bet-two prototypical Th1 transcription factors-are protected from autoimmunity associated with Th17 pathogenesis. To examine the fate and pathogenic potential of Th17 cells and origin of IFN-gamma-producing T cells that emerge during Th17 immunity, we developed IL-17F reporter mice that identify cells committed to expression of IL-17F and IL-17A. Th17 cells required TGF-beta for sustained expression of IL-17F and IL-17A. In the absence of TGF-beta, both IL-23 and IL-12 acted to suppress IL-17 and enhance IFN-gamma production in a STAT4- and T-bet-dependent manner, albeit with distinct efficiencies. These results support a model of late Th17 developmental plasticity with implications for autoimmunity and host defense.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-23 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-23
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interferon-gamma

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE14026