Exploring the role of T helper cells in autoimmune disease

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About this Research Topic

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Background

Immune cells play an important role in priming, initiating, and developing the functional phases of the immune response against foreign pathogens, cancer antigens, and autoantigens. As one of the major components of the immune system, T cells have various roles depending on the physiological state or environment for which the response is required. T cell subsets comprised of either tolerogenic, or inhibitory, and inflammatory cells are involved in the maintenance of the immune response and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. It is well established that the T helper (Th) 1 subset, best characterized by the production of IL-2, IFN-γ, and LT-α, promotes a cell-mediated immune response against intracellular pathogens through the activation of macrophages. It has also emerged that IL-12, IFN-γ, T-bet, STAT1, and STAT4 are responsible for the differentiation of Th1 cells.

Inflammatory T cells play an important role in initiating and promoting the inflammatory response against self-antigens, or increasing antigen mimicry effects. Th17 are important inflammatory T cell subsets, differentiated from naïve T helper cells in response to the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-23. They have been linked to the progression of several autoimmune pathologies, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential in maintaining the homeostasis of immune responses. They are the main subset of T cells that keep the body from developing autoimmune responses and help produce central and peripheral tolerance. Treg cells primarily modulate the immune response through surface contact and cytokine production. A Treg cell is a CD3+, CD4+, CD25+, and Foxp3+ T-cell, which can decrease inflammation in patients with several autoimmune diseases.

A deeper understanding of the immune response in autoimmune diseases can aid in the clinical intervention and treatment process. In autoimmune binaries, dependent on the type of disease, subclasses Th1, Th2, and Th17 can be activated, and their suppression process can be effective in the treatment of diseases. This Research Topic aims to assemble studies investigating the function of different subtypes of T cells in autoimmune diseases.
We welcome the submission of articles that explore the mechanisms involved in the responses of T cells in autoimmune diseases, as well as the interaction between these cells. The effect of drugs and clinical interventions in autoimmune diseases and their effect on T cell subclasses are also of interest.

Keywords: Immune system, T cell subsets, T helper cells, Autoimmune diseases

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