Th2 Cells in Health and Disease

Annu Rev Immunol. 2017 Apr 26:35:53-84. doi: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-051116-052350. Epub 2016 Nov 28.

Abstract

Helper T (Th) cell subsets direct immune responses by producing signature cytokines. Th2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which are important in humoral immunity and protection from helminth infection and are central to the pathogenesis of many allergic inflammatory diseases. Molecular analysis of Th2 cell differentiation and maintenance of function has led to recent discoveries that have refined our understanding of Th2 cell biology. Epigenetic regulation of Gata3 expression by chromatin remodeling complexes such as Polycomb and Trithorax is crucial for maintaining Th2 cell identity. In the context of allergic diseases, memory-type pathogenic Th2 cells have been identified in both mice and humans. To better understand these disease-driving cell populations, we have developed a model called the pathogenic Th population disease induction model. The concept of defined subsets of pathogenic Th cells may spur new, effective strategies for treating intractable chronic inflammatory disorders.

Keywords: Gata3; Polycomb; Th2; Trithorax; allergy; epigenetics; pathogenic Th2 cell.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • GATA3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Helminthiasis / immunology*
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / genetics
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Interleukin-13 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-5 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / genetics
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein / metabolism
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins / genetics
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • GATA3 Transcription Factor
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-5
  • KMT2A protein, human
  • Polycomb-Group Proteins
  • Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein
  • Interleukin-4
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase