Differentiation, regulation and function of Th9 cells

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014:841:181-207. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-9487-9_7.

Abstract

Naïve CD4(+) T cells are activated and differentiate to distinct lineages of T helper (Th) cells, which are involved in physiological and pathological processes by obtaining the potential to produce different lineage-specific cytokines that mediate adaptive immunity. In the past decade, our knowledge of Th cells has been significantly expanded with the findings of new lineages. Interleukin (IL)-9 producing T cells are recently identified. In consideration of the ability to preferentially secret IL-9, these cells are termed Th9 cells. Given the multiple function of IL-9, Th9 cells participate in the lesion of many diseases, such as allergic inflammation, tumor, and parasitosis. In this chapter, we will focus on the cytokines, co-stimulatory factors, and transcriptional signaling pathways, which regulate Th9 cells development as well as stability, plasticity, and the multiple roles of Th9 cells in vivo.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-9 / genetics
  • Interleukin-9 / physiology*
  • NF-kappa B / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • Interleukin-9
  • NF-kappa B
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta