Kurzfassung

Organ specific autoimmunity is initiated by autoreactive T helper (Th) 1 cells or Th17 cells. In contrast, regulatory T cells (T-regs) keep autoreactive T cells in check and prevent them from becoming effector T cells. We have shown that pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and induced T-regs develop from a common progenitor cell in the peripheral immune compartment. We identified IL-6 as most important “switch factor” that prevents a naive T cell from developing into a T-reg cell while in the...Organ specific autoimmunity is initiated by autoreactive T helper (Th) 1 cells or Th17 cells. In contrast, regulatory T cells (T-regs) keep autoreactive T cells in check and prevent them from becoming effector T cells. We have shown that pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and induced T-regs develop from a common progenitor cell in the peripheral immune compartment. We identified IL-6 as most important “switch factor” that prevents a naive T cell from developing into a T-reg cell while − in the presence of TGF-β − promoting the generation of Th17 cells. Thus, IL-6 is at a pivotal position in the shaping of immune responses. However, IL-6 is produced by many cell types including immune cells and non-immune cells. Here, we intend to investigate which cellular sources of IL-6 are most relevant in controling the development of Th17 cells. By generating novel reporter mouse strains we will identify cell types whose IL-6 production is crucial for inhibiting the T-reg pathway and enhancing the development of Th17 cells. Using this approach, we will define subsets of cell types which control nodal points of T cell fate decisions in the lymphoid compartment and the target tissue of an immune reaction, thus constituting promising targets for therapeutic interventions.» weiterlesen» einklappen