T regulator and Th17 lymphocytes: Physiological and pathological functions
Corvaisier-Chiron M., Beauvillain C., Hughes J., Jefferson A., Raynaud De Mauverger E., Fernandez G., Lowy I., Molrine D., Vingert B., Perez-Patrigeon S., Jeannin P., Bourne Y., Radic Z., Aráoz R., Weeks A., Alia G., Clarke R., Peden J., Steidl C., Lee T., Shah S., Liang S., Wang H., Newell K., Asare A., Kirk A., Studebaker A., Kreofsky C., Pierson C., Lam C., Yoo T., Hiner B.
Over two decades ago, CD4+ T cells were classified into various T cell subsets. Each subset is characterised by its specific cytokine pattern and effector functions in the immune response. This classification has long been confined to two subsets of helper T cells called Th1 and Th2 cells. Recently, new CD4+ T cell populations have been describe, including natural and inducible regulatory T cells and the proinflammatory Th17 cells. The discovery of these new populations provided a better understanding of the pathophysiology of various diseases, including chronic inflammatory disorders including some of autoimmune diseases, cancers and chronic infections. In this review, the generation of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells, the mechanisms used by these T cells to maintain the physiological balance between inflammatory and immunosuppressive immune responses, and their implication in physiopathology of various diseases will be discussed. © 2010 - Elsevier Masson SAS - Tous droits réservés.