Multiplex Human Cytokine Th1/Th2/Th17 ELISA Kit

T-lymphocytes are the primary effector cells of cellular immunity, producing cytokines in the immune response, mediating inflammatory responses and regulating other types of immune cells. CD4⁺ T cells have significant heterogeneity in cytokine expression, and helper T cells (Th) regulate immune and nonimmune cells in the immune response by producing cytokines. T cells are activated and differentiate into utility cells that produce cytokines and other immune mediators. Based on their cytokine expression profiles and immunomodulatory functions, effector Th cells are classified into different functional subpopulations whose production is differentially regulated by cytokines and transcription factors. Cytokine regulation and function is not only a central theme in T cell biology and immunomodulation, but also has important implications for immunopathology. Targeting various cytokines has become a powerful tool in the treatment of immune diseases ranging from autoimmunity to allergies, as well as in cancer immunotherapy.

Figure 1. Development of Th subsets
(Source: Chen G, et al. 2023)

The effector differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells is not only dependent on T cell receptors (TCRs) and agonist receptors, but is also differentially regulated by innate immunity-produced cytokines that provide clues about the nature of the infection or environmental attack. IL-12 regulates Th1 differentiation, and Th1 cells are key players in cellular immunity, producing IFN-γ to enhance antigen presentation and promote bactericidal function of macrophages. Th2 cells selectively express IL-25 and IL-33 receptors compared to Th1 cells, and IL-25 promotes initial Th2 differentiation by enhancing IL-4 production. Differentiated Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and IL-4 promotes B cell proliferation and IgE production. Therefore, the investigators concluded that Th2 cells mediate humoral immunity and control extracellular pathogens. The combination of IL-6 and TGE-β induced Th17 cell differentiation. It is now widely recognized that Th17 cells can exist in different states and have different gene expression patterns and physiological functions. Cytokine stimulation-induced Th17 cells are highly pathogenic in driving autoinflammation and express more T-bet, IFN-γ, GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), IL-22, and IL-23R, while IL-10 expression is reduced.