IL-12- and IL-23-induced T helper cell subsets: birds of the same feather flock together

Abstract

Traditionally, CD4(+) T cells have been separated into two different subsets named T helper (Th)1 and Th2. A new IL-23-driven subset of Th cells called Th(IL-17) has now been described. The data suggest that IL-23 plays an important role in the differentiation of autoreactive pathogenic T cells. Whether these IL-23-induced Th(IL-17) cells are a unique subset or are related to other Th subsets is discussed.