Helper T cell differentiation

Cell Mol Immunol. 2019 Jul;16(7):634-643. doi: 10.1038/s41423-019-0220-6. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Abstract

CD4+ T helper cells are key regulators of host health and disease. In the original model, specialized subsets of T helper cells are generated following activation through lineage-specifying cytokines and transcriptional programs, but recent studies have revealed increasing complexities for CD4+ T-cell differentiation. Here, we first discuss CD4+ T-cell differentiation from a historical perspective by highlighting the major studies that defined the distinct subsets of T helper cells. We next describe the mechanisms underlying CD4+ T-cell differentiation, including cytokine-induced signaling and transcriptional networks. We then review current and emerging topics of differentiation, including the plasticity and heterogeneity of T cells, the tissue-specific effects, and the influence of cellular metabolism on cell fate decisions. Importantly, recent advances in cutting-edge approaches, especially systems biology tools, have contributed to new concepts and mechanisms underlying T-cell differentiation and will likely continue to advance this important research area of adaptive immunity.

Keywords: T cells; Treg; differentiation; immunometabolism; plasticity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cytokines
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines