A transcription factor compelling Th1 differentiation

Excerpt

Upon activation, Thp cells differentiate into at least two distinct subsets. Th1 cells bias the immune response towards cell-mediated immunity and activate macrophages. Th2 cells mediate humoral immune responses, activate B cells and downregulate macrophage activation. The hallmark of Th1 and Th2 dichotomy is the distinct pattern of cytokines that drive the effector functions associated with the respective subsets. Th1 cells produce TNF-?, IL-2 and IFN-?, whereas Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-9. Much interest has focused on genes that are involved in directing the differentiation of uncommitted Thp cells towards Th1 or Th2 effectors. Some progress has been made in elucidating the genetic control of Th2 development, and TFs specific for Th2 cells have been described, eg c-Maf and GATA-3. However, little is known about the genetic factors driving Th1 development. To find Th1-restricted TFs that control Th1-specific cytokine gene transcription, and to study the influence of TF expression in developing Th2 cells. …