T helper 2 cell; T helper 17 cell (Th2 cell; Th17 cell)

T helper 2 cell (Th2) and T helper 17 cell (Th17) are differentiated subtypes of CD4+ T lymphocytes within the adaptive immune system. Th2 cells drive humoral immunity, antibody production, and allergic responses via secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, principally targeting extracellular parasites and playing a key role in allergy and asthma. Th17 cells are defined by secretion of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22, orchestrate neutrophil recruitment, and defend against extracellular bacteria and fungi, while aberrations in their activation underlie many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Although they are central to immunopharmacology and are modulated by many drugs, neither Th2 nor Th17 cells are a canonical molecular drug target; instead, they represent immune populations influenced by small molecule or antibody therapies through upstream or downstream signaling proteins, cytokine receptors, or transcription factors[3][6][2][1][7].

Other names

Th2 cell (for T helper 2 cell)Th17 cell (for T helper 17 cell)

Inhibition of Th2 cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) reduces allergic inflammation or asthma symptoms - Inhibition of Th17 effector cytokines (IL-17A, IL-17F) reduces autoimmunity and chronic inflammation - Inhibition of cytokines necessary for differentiation (IL-23 inhibition impacts Th17 cell survival/proliferation)