IL-1 and T Helper Immune Responses

Abstract

CD4 T cells play a critical role in mediating adaptive immunity to a variety of pathogens as well as in tumor immunity. If not adequately regulated, CD4 T cells can be also involved in autoimmunity, asthma, and allergic responses. During TCR activation in a particular cytokine milieu, naïve CD4 T cells may differentiate into one of several lineages of T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, as defined by their pattern of cytokine production and function. IL-1, the prototypic proinflammatory cytokine, has been shown to influence growth and differentiation of immunocompetent lymphocytes. The differential expression of IL-1RI on human CD4 T cell subsets confers distinct capacities to acquire specific effector functions. In this review, we summarize the role of IL-1 on CD4 T cells, in terms of differentiation, activation, and maintenance or survival.

Keywords: IL-1 and T cells; IL-1RI and T cells; Th1 non-classic; Th17 cells; Th2 cells.

Figure 1

IL-1β and IL-23 induce the differentiation of human CD161+ precursor toward both the Th17 and the non-classic Th1 phenotype. IL-1 β together with IL-23 acts on human CD4+CD161+ precursor to induce Th17 and non-classic Th1 effector cells. Th17 can shift toward a non-classic Th1 phenotype in the presence of IL-12.