Publication Date:
2018-09-14
Description:
In response to infection, naïve CD4 + T cells differentiate into two subpopulations: T follicular helper (T FH ) cells, which support B cell antibody production, and non-T FH cells, which enhance innate immune cell functions. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), the major cytokine produced by naïve T cells, plays an important role in the developmental divergence of these populations. However, the relationship between IL-2 production and fate determination remains unclear. Using reporter mice, we found that differential production of IL-2 by naïve CD4 + T cells defined precursors fated for different immune functions. IL-2 producers, which were fated to become T FH cells, delivered IL-2 to nonproducers destined to become non-T FH cells. Because IL-2 production was limited to cells receiving the strongest T cell receptor (TCR) signals, a direct link between TCR-signal strength, IL-2 production, and T cell fate determination has been established.
Keywords:
Development, Immunology, Online Only
Print ISSN:
0036-8075
Electronic ISSN:
1095-9203
Topics:
Biology
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Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Geosciences
,
Computer Science
,
Medicine
,
Natural Sciences in General
,
Physics
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