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Induction of appropriate Th-cell phenotypes: cellular decision-making in heterogeneous environments.
- Source :
- Parasite Immunology; Nov2013, Vol. 35 Issue 11, p318-330, 13p
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Helper T ( Th)-cell differentiation is a key event in the development of the adaptive immune response. By the production of a range of cytokines, Th cells determine the type of immune response that is raised against an invading pathogen. Th cells can adopt many different phenotypes, and Th-cell phenotype decision-making is crucial in mounting effective host responses. This review discusses the different Th-cell phenotypes that have been identified and how Th cells adopt a particular phenotype. The regulation of Th-cell phenotypes has been studied extensively using mathematical models, which have explored the role of regulatory mechanisms such as autocrine cytokine signalling and cross-inhibition between self-activating transcription factors. At the single cell level, Th responses tend to be heterogeneous, but corrections can be made soon after T-cell activation. Although pathogens and the innate immune system provide signals that direct the induction of Th-cell phenotypes, these instructive mechanisms could be easily subverted by pathogens. We discuss that a model of success-driven feedback would select the most appropriate phenotype for clearing a pathogen. Given the heterogeneity in the induction phase of the Th response, such a success-driven feedback loop would allow the selection of effective Th-cell phenotypes while terminating incorrect responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01419838
- Volume :
- 35
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Parasite Immunology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 90674741
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12053