Transcriptional regulatory networks for CD4 T cell differentiation

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2014:381:125-72. doi: 10.1007/82_2014_372.

Abstract

CD4(+) T cells play a central role in controlling the adaptive immune response by secreting cytokines to activate target cells. Naïve CD4(+) T cells differentiate into at least four subsets, Th1Th1 , Th2Th2 , Th17Th17 , and inducible regulatory T cellsregulatory T cells , each with unique functions for pathogen elimination. The differentiation of these subsets is induced in response to cytokine stimulation, which is translated into Stat activation, followed by induction of master regulator transcription factorstranscription factors . In addition to these factors, multiple other transcription factors, both subset specific and shared, are also involved in promoting subset differentiation. This review will focus on the network of transcription factors that control CD4(+) T cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Transcription Factors