Helios Expression Is a Marker of T Cell Activation and Proliferation
2011

Helios as a Marker of T Cell Activation

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Akimova Tatiana, Beier Ulf H., Wang Liqing, Levine Matthew H., Hancock Wayne W.

Primary Institution: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Hypothesis

Helios expression is associated with T cell activation and proliferation.

Conclusion

Helios can be induced during T cell activation and proliferation, but regresses in the same cells under resting conditions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Helios expression is associated with T cell activation and cellular division.
  • Helios-negative T cells are enriched for naïve T cell phenotypes.
  • Helios can be induced during T cell activation and proliferation.

Takeaway

Helios is a marker that shows when T cells are active and dividing, but it doesn't help tell apart different types of regulatory T cells.

Methodology

The study used flow cytometric analysis to assess Helios expression in human and murine T cells under various conditions.

Limitations

The study does not establish a clear distinction between natural and induced Tregs based on Helios expression.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024226

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