DIFFERENTIATION OF THE TH17 SUBSET

We have recently described de novo generation of a new Thelper subset 　(Th17) of IL-17 producing T cells from naïve CD4 T cells. TGFβ1, together with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 supports the differentiation of IL-17 producing T cells. Furthermore, we have shown that TGFβ1 signalling is obligatory for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here we evaluate the role of different cytokines in modulating the differentiation and phenotype of Th17 T cells.
Ref: Veldhoen M et al., Signals mediated by transforming growth factor-beta initiate autoimmune encephalomyelitis, but chronic inflammation is needed to sustain disease. Nat Immunol. 2006 7:1151-6