辅助性T细胞通常分为Th1型和Th2型.20余年来,该分类方法形成了理解CD4^+T细胞免疫生物学、固有免疫和适应性免疫调节理论的框架.近来研究发现,机体存在一种新型的不同于1型和2型的CD4^+效应T细胞——辅助性17细胞(Thelp 17,Th17),该细胞是由天然T细胞前体分化而来,具有独立的分化和发育调节机制,并特异性地产生白介素17(interleukin 17,IL-17)效应因子,在自身免疫性疾病和感染性疾病中发挥重要调节作用.这将对深入研究机体免疫调节、免疫病理和机体防御反应机制具有重要意义.就这种新型的辅助性T细胞的产生、发育分化机制和免疫调节效应研究进展做一简要综述.
The T help cell 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell classification have provided the framework for understanding CD4^+ T cell biology and the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity for almost two decades. Recent studies have defined a previously unknown subset of the CD4^+ T cell effectors, the Th1 7 lineage. The uncover on the differentiation of IL-17-producing effector T cells from naive T cell precursors provides insights into mechanisms by which signals from cells of the innate immune system guide alternative pathways of Th1, Th2 or Th 17 development. Th 17 lineage has an important role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This promises to change our understanding on the immune regulation, immune pathogenesis and host defense. The identification, differentiation and immune function of the new subsets of Th cells, Thl 7 cells will be reviewed.