Th2 T cell Differentiation Pathway (Th2 Pathway)

The Th2 T cell differentiation pathway describes the process by which naïve CD4+ T cells become specialized T helper 2 (Th2) cells. This differentiation is initiated by antigen presentation in the context of an IL-4-rich environment, leading to activation of STAT6 and upregulation of the master transcription factor GATA3. Th2 cells are crucial for orchestrating immune responses against extracellular parasites and are central to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Key effector cytokines produced by Th2 cells include IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which mediate B-cell help for IgE production, eosinophil recruitment, and epithelial responses. The pathway involves metabolic reprogramming and is negatively regulated by factors like IFNγ to prevent excessive Th2 polarization. Therapeutic interventions often target key cytokines or signaling molecules within this pathway to modulate allergic responses.

Other names

T helper 2 cell differentiationType 2 T helper cell pathwayTh2 polarization

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