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What determines Th2 differentiation, in vitro and in vivo ?
Author(s) -
Paul William E
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1038/icb.2010.2
Subject(s) - thymic stromal lymphopoietin , in vivo , t cell receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , gata3 , biology , cellular differentiation , in vitro , stat5 , stromal cell , immunology , interleukin 4 , signal transduction , cancer research , t cell , transcription factor , cytokine , immune system , genetics , gene
We have known since 1991 how to induce naive CD4 T cells to differentiate in vitro into Th2 cells and, over the ensuing years, a comprehensive picture of the molecules involved in this important process has emerged. GATA3 and STAT5 are both essential for in vitro differentiation, stimulating naive cells through a process involving induction, which is T‐cell receptor (TCR) dependent but interleukin (IL)‐4 independent, and commitment, which is IL‐4 dependent. Th2 differentiation in vivo appears more complex. GATA3 and probably STAT5 are required in vivo but, at least for certain helminth infections, the IL‐4/IL‐4Ra/STAT6 pathway is dispensable. The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and of low TCR signal strength and the participation of basophils in establishing a Th2‐baising in vivo environment have achieved considerable attention. Here I discuss the major players in Th2 differentiation particularly as they may exert their effects in vivo .