Identification of Th1-polarized Th17 cells: solving the problem

Helper T cells producing IL-17 (Th17) have high plasticity: restimulation of lymphocytes in an inflammatory environment can induce their transformation into with another phenotype, and a shift towards Th1 is the most common. The result this appearance expressing along classical markers Th17 key Th1-associated molecules. In its general form, population represented by CD4 + CD161 CCR6 CXCR3 IFNγ Т cells, current literature it often referred to as Th17.1. Some Th17.1 completely lose production IL-17, while maintaining expression other Th17-associated molecules; these are so-called ex-Th17 (CD4 - cells). Consequently, Th1-polarized includes Th17.1, number additional transitional forms. It has unique functional properties – increased pro-inflammatory potential ability overcome histohematic barriers. that currently assigned role pathogenesis many autoimmune diseases, process redifferentiation considered promising therapeutic target. However, development direction complicated weak comparability data on size such population. analysis methods for determining vivo vitro , carried out work, made possible resolve contradictions develop optimal approaches identifying studies, especially clinical ones, identified co-expression cytokines (IL-17/IFNγ) or chemokine receptors (CCR6/CXCR3), rarely combination. approach, CCR6/ marks total Th1-like Th17, including both ex-Th17, IL-17/IFNγ identifies only subpopulation misclassified classic case. Such “underestimation” significantly down results, since accounts bulk Th17. And simultaneous assessment membrane molecules allows identification exTh17 separately, which important consider when interpreting problem planning trials.