T cell subsets | Distinct transcription factor | Distinct cytokines | Immune functions | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Th1 | T-bet | IFN-γ | Participate in cellular immunity against intracellular microorganisms | |
Th2 | GATA-3 | IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 | Control helminths and other extracellular pathogens | |
Th9 | STAT6, IRF4 | IL-9 | Enhance allergic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity; promote tumour progression or anti-tumour immunity | |
Th17 | RORγt | IL-17a, IL-17f, IL-21, IL-22 | Clear extracellular bacteria and fungi | |
Tfh | Bcl-6 | IL-4, IL-21 | Regulate the maturation of B cell responses | |
Treg | Foxp3 | IL-10, TGF-β | Participate in maintenance of peripheral tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity | |
DNT | IKZF2 | IFN-γ, Granzyme B | Participate in regulation of adaptive and innate immunity; anti-tumour | [30] |
CD8+ T |  | IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 | Clear virus and tumour cells | [24] |