CYTOKINE SECRETION PATTERNS AND CROSS-REGULATION OF T-CELL SUBSETS

The cross-inhibition of TH1 and TH2 cells by IFN-γ and IL-10 may account for at least part of the mutually exclusive regulation of DTH and antibody (especially DTH) responses. It is likely that other cross-regulatory molecules exist, and we know very little about the regulation of the additional cytokine secretion phenotypes described above. In addition, the signals that induce preferential differentiation into a particular cytokine secretion phenotype are not yet understood, although it appears likely that this process is controlled by antigen-presenting cells and cytokines. Given the importance to the host of choosing the appropriate pattern of effector functions, it is likely that the full regulatory pathways of T cell differentiation and cross-regulation will be under precise and complex control. © 1991 Humana Press Inc.