Interleukin (IL)-18 induces interferon (IFN)-gamma synthesis and synergizes with IL-12 in T helper type 1 (Th1) but not Th2 cell development. We report here that IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) is selectively expressed on murine Th1 but not Th2 cells. IL-18R mRNA was expressed constitutively and consistently in long-term cultured clones, as well as on newly polarized Th1 but not Th2 cells. IL-18 sustai...

The transcription factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) is essential for TH2 and TH17 cell formation and controls peripheral CD8+ T cell differentiation. We used Listeria monocytogenes infection to characterize the function of IRF4 in TH1 responses. IRF4-/- mice generated only marginal numbers of listeria-specific TH1 cells. After transfer into infected mice, IRF4-/- CD4+ T cells failed ...

We hypothesised that the blood levels of immune cells would be related to the progression of colorectal cancer and regional lymph node metastasis. We investigated the association between the blood levels of immune cells and regional lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer patients. Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages 1 and 2 colorectal cancer were assigned to Early...

CD4 T helper (Th) type 1 and Th2 cells have been identified in the airways of asthmatic patients. Th2 cells are believed to contribute to pathogenesis of the disease, but the role of Th1 cells is not well defined. In a mouse model, we previously reported that transferred T cell receptor-transgenic Th2 cells activated in the respiratory tract led to airway inflammation with many of the pathologi...

Background: Synbiotics have been used in the prevention and treatment of various immunological diseases. We aimed to investigate the synergistic clinical and immunologic effects of synbiotics and subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) combination in patients with allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: Nineteen individuals with all...

Regulatory T cells play a major role in modulating the immune response. However, most information on these cells centers on autoimmunity, and there is also considerable controversy on the functional characteristics of these cells. Here we provide direct in vitro and in vivo evidence that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells inhibit the differentiation and functions of both Th1 and Th2 cells. Importantl...

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease affecting the skin, muscle, and lungs. Lenabasum, non-psychoactive cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) agonist, currently being investigated as non-immunosuppressive treatment option for DM. The activation of CB2R has been shown to reduce several key pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in Our lab previously demonstrated via immunoh...

Th1 and Th2 cells represent the two main functional subsets of CD4(+) T helper cell, and are defined by their cytokine expression. Human Th1 cells express IFNgamma, whilst Th2 cells express IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Th1 and Th2 cells have distinct immunological functions, and can drive different immunopathologies. Here, we show that in vitro-differentiated human Th2 cells highly selectively expres...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and bone with elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. It has been reported that IL-17 and Th17 cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Recently, plasticity in helper T cells has been demonstrated; Th17 cells can convert to Th1 cells. It remains to be elucidated...

OBJECTIVES Behçet's disease (BD) is a helper T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterised by recurrent orogenital ulcers, uveitis and skin lesions. The helper T cells are divided into Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells according to the pattern of cytokine secretion. Th1 and Th17 cells can contribute to the development of the disease with their respective proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-17. In ...