Human interleukin 17–producing cells originate from a CD161+CD4+ T cell precursor

• DOI: 10.1084/jem.20080397
• Publication Date: 2008-07-29T00:58:34Z
• Authors: Lorenzo Cosmi; Raffaele De Palma; Veronica Santarlasci; Laura Maggi; Manuela Capone; Francesca Frosali; Gabriella Rodolico; Valentina Querci; Gianfranco Abbate; Roberta Angeli; Liberato Berrino; Massimiliano Famb...; Marzia Caproni; Francesco Tonelli; Elena Lazzeri; Paola Parronchi; Francesco Liotta; Enrico Maggi; Sergio Romagnani; Francesco Annunziato
• Keywords: Interleukin 3

We demonstrate that CD161 is a highly up-regulated gene in human interleukin (IL) 17 T helper cell (Th17) clones and all IL-17-producing cells are contained the CD161(+) fraction of CD4(+) present circulation or inflamed tissues, although they not CD1-restricted natural killer cells. More importantly, we show originate from naive umbilical cord blood, as well postnatal thymus, response to combined activity IL-1 beta IL-23. These findings implicate novel surface marker for Th17 exclusive origin these CD161(+)CD4(+) progenitor.