Which T cell subset releases IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, and what are the actions of these cytokines?

Which T cell subset releases IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, and what are the actions of these cytokines?

• A. Th2; IL-4 drives IgE switching; IL-5 activates eosinophils and promotes IgA; IL-10 modulates inflammation
• B. Th1; IL-4 drives IgE switching; IL-5 activates eosinophils
• C. Th17; IL-17 recruits neutrophils
• D. Treg; IL-10; TGF-β

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that different helper T cell subsets steer the immune response with distinct cytokine profiles. The subset that secretes IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 is the Th2 lineage. IL-4 drives B cells to switch to IgE, which is central to allergic sensitization and defense against parasites. IL-5 promotes the growth and activation of eosinophils, cells important for combating helminth infections and contributing to allergic inflammation. IL-10 acts as an anti-inflammatory mediator, damping down macrophage activation and Th1 responses, helping regulate the overall immune reaction and supporting a more regulated antibody response. Together, these cytokines highlight a humoral-skewed, anti-inflammatory, eosinophil-associated response characteristic of Th2.

The key idea is that different helper T cell subsets steer the immune response with distinct cytokine profiles. The subset that secretes IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 is the Th2 lineage. IL-4 drives B cells to switch to IgE, which is central to allergic sensitization and defense against parasites. IL-5 promotes the growth and activation of eosinophils, cells important for combating helminth infections and contributing to allergic inflammation. IL-10 acts as an anti-inflammatory mediator, damping down macrophage activation and Th1 responses, helping regulate the overall immune reaction and supporting a more regulated antibody response. Together, these cytokines highlight a humoral-skewed, anti-inflammatory, eosinophil-associated response characteristic of Th2.