This work is supported in part by the NIH/NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Awards to the University of Florida TL1 TR000066 and UL1 TR000064, a diversity supplement from Parent Grant R01AI056152 from the National Institute of Health, a BD Biosciences reagent grant, and the University of Florida.

All animal use was conducted in accordance with protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
1. Preparation of Mixes and Media
<ol>
	<li>Sterile PBS pH: 7.3 (1 L) 
	0.23 g NaH2PO4 
	1.15 g Na2HPO4 
	9.0 g NaCl 
	Take up volume with DI water. Sterilize with autoclave.</li>
	<li>Cell Culture Media (100 ml) 
	89 ml RPMI 
	10 ml 10% FBS 
	1...

<ol>
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J., Sherlock, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interleukin-23+rather+than+interleukin-12+is+the+critical+cytokine+for+autoimmune+inflammation+of+the+brain.">Interleukin-23 rather than interleukin-12 is the critical cytokine for autoimmune inflammation of the brain.</a> Nature. 421, 742-748 (2003).</li><li>El-Behi, M., Rostami, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+views+on+the+roles+of+Th17+and+Th17+cells+in+experimental+autoimmune+encephalitis.">Current views on the roles of Th17 and Th17 cells in experimental autoimmune encephalitis.</a> J. 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D., Dabelic, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Kinase+Inhibitory+Region+of+SOCS-1+is+Sufficient+to+Inhibit+T+helper-17+Function+in+Experimental+Allergic+Encephalomyelitis.">The Kinase Inhibitory Region of SOCS-1 is Sufficient to Inhibit T helper-17 Function in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis.</a> J. Neuroimmunol. 232, 08-18 (2011).</li><li>Kimura, A., Kishimoto, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IL-6:+regulator+of+Treg/Th17+balance.">IL-6: regulator of Treg/Th17 balance.</a> Eur. J. 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L., Chen, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IL-23+drives+a+pathogenic+T+cell+population+that+induces+autoimmune+inflammation.">IL-23 drives a pathogenic T cell population that induces autoimmune inflammation.</a> J. Exp. Med. 201, 233-240 (2005).</li><li>Lau, K., Benitez, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibition+of+type+1+diabetes+by+a+Lactobacillus+johnsonii+mediated+Th17+bias.">Inhibition of type 1 diabetes by a Lactobacillus johnsonii mediated Th17 bias.</a> J. 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C., Larkin, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Role+of+TCR+specificity+in+CD4+CD25++regulatory+T+cell+selection.">Role of TCR specificity in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell selection.</a> Immunol Rev. 212, 74-85 (2006).</li><li>Shah, K., Lee, W. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Disregulated+balance+of+Th17+and+Th1+cells+in+systemic+lupus+erythematosus.">Disregulated balance of Th17 and Th1 cells in systemic lupus erythematosus.</a> Arthritis Research &amp; Therapy. 12, R53 (2010).</li><li>Sospedra, M., Martin, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunology+of+Multiple+Sclerosis.">Immunology of Multiple Sclerosis.</a> Annu. Rev. 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J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TGF&#946;+in+the+context+of+an+inflammatory+cytokine+milieu+supports+de+novo+differentiation+of+IL-17-producing+T+cells.">TGF&#946; in the context of an inflammatory cytokine milieu supports de novo differentiation of IL-17-producing T cells.</a> Immunity. 24, 179-189 (2006).</li><li>Zou, Y., Zhang, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strain-dependent+production+of+interleukin-17/interferon-&#947;+and+matrix+remodeling-associated+genes+in+experimental+Candida+albicans+keratitis.">Strain-dependent production of interleukin-17/interferon-&#947; and matrix remodeling-associated genes in experimental Candida albicans keratitis.</a> Mol Vis. 18, 1215-1225 (2012).</li></ol>

Here we have described the protocol to achieve in vitro Th17 differentiation. The study of Th17 differentiation is important, as differentiation of T lymphocytes into the Th17 subset is critical for the effective elimination of human pathogens13. Conversely, IL17 production has been associated with autoimmune disease progression13. The method of Th17 differentiation is applicable to many research settings as it can be applied to numerous distinct murine models of immune regulation and autoi...

CD4+ T lymphocytes (T cells) play a critical role in immune system-mediated defense against infectious microorganisms. Conversely, T cells are also intimately associated with the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. CD4+ T lymphocytes become activated through a combination of T cell receptor (TCR) interactions with cognate antigen/major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) molecules, and CD28 receptor interactions with B7.1/B7.2 ligands15. In addition to the provision of TCR stimulation and CD28 co-stimulation, antigen-presenting cells also provide a cytokine environment, which determines the differentiation state of the T lymphocyte, thereby directing the T lymphocyte&#39;s response to the given antigen. Distinct pathogen/antigen-presenting cell interactions create distinct cytokine environments, which skew T lymphocytes down distinct pathways focused on the elimination of the initiating pathogen. Unfortunately, T lymphocyte effector pathways, originally designed to eradicate invading pathogens, can be erroneously directed against self-tissues15. Therefore, better understanding of each distinct CD4+ T cell subset&#39;s differentiation state is critical for our understanding of how to modulate the balance between elimination of pathogens and tolerance to self.
In addition to the Th1, Th2, and inducible regulatory T cell differentiation pathways, na&#239;ve T lymphocytes can also be driven by cytokines down the Th17 pathway. Whereas Th1 cells combat intracellular pathogens, Th2 cells eliminate extracellular pathogens, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) minimize inflammatory responses1, 16; Th17 cells play an important role in the elimination of extracellular bacteria and fungi. Th17 cells are generally denoted by expression of the lineage-specific transcription factor ROR&#947;T and production of IL-17A, which promotes the activation of macrophages and neutrophils1, 7.
Th17 cells have been implicated in several autoimmune disorders, and their associated rodent models. For example, it has been demonstrated that IL-23 (which is required to sustain the Th17 phenotype), but not IL-12, was the central culprit in experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), the rodent disease model for MS. It has subsequently been shown that reductions in IL-17 production are correlated to EAE prevention2, 6, 17. Moreover, Th17 cells have been associated with other autoimmune disorders including arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)10, 16. IL-23 deficient p19-/- mice were shown to have very low numbers of Th17 cells, and are resistant to developing not only EAE, but also collagen-induced arthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis10, 18. In addition, mice treated with neutralizing IL-17A antibodies after the onset of collagen-induced arthritis were also found to have resolution of joint damage18. It should be noted that the role of Th17 cells in the progression of autoimmune disease remains to be characterized as recent research has also shown a protective role of Th17 cells in Type 1 diabetes9, 11 and intestinal inflammation14. These studies confirm the importance of Th17 differentiation in autoimmunity.
In vitro Th17 differentiation is a necessary method in T cell research because there are at least two perplexing questions that require further investigation: 1) How exactly does IL-6 regulate the balance between Treg and Th17 differentiation, and 2) what are the exact mechanisms behind IL-17-induced inflammatory disorders? Our method employs CD4+CD25- T cells from the spleens and lymph nodes of the C57BL/6 mouse. It is important to note that although it is possible to induce Th17 differentiation using an impure population, acquiring at least an 80% pure CD4+CD25- T cell population negates any worry of contamination and ensures more successful Th17 differentiation results. In order to achieve proper Th17 differentiation, CD4+CD25- T cells are incubated in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, which provide activation signals, 1 and 2, respectively, and IL-6, and TGF-&#946;. Although it has been reported that IL-23 alone can be used to achieve Th17 differentiation, it was later demonstrated that IL-23 is necessary for the stability of the Th17 cell population, but IL-6 and TGF-&#946; are essential for Th17 differentiation3, 18, 19. Murine studies have shown that the IL-23 receptor is expressed on CD4+ T cells only after they have been stimulated with IL-6 and TGF-&#946;13, 18. Also, Th17 cells will successfully develop in the presence of IL-23-blocking antibodies as long as IL-6 and TGF-&#946; are present18, 19. As such, this Th17 differentiation protocol provides the appropriate conditions to successfully induce Th17 differentiation. Development of a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production present the opportunity for the development of better therapeutics aimed at autoimmune disorders13.

<table border="1">
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 <td>Reagent/Material</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Sterile Polyestrene Petri Dish</td>
 <td>Fisher Scientific</td>
 <td>0875713A</td>
 <td>60 mm x 15 mm</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>autoMACS Running Buffer</td>
 <td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
 <td>130-091-221</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Premium Microscope Slides, Frosted</td>
 <td>Fisher Scientific</td>
 <td>12-544-3</td>
 <td>3" x 1"1 mm</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>5 ml 21G1 Latex Free Syringe and Needle</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>309632</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Corning 15 ml Centrifuge Tubes</td>
 <td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
 <td>CLS430791</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Nylon 40 microns</td>
 <td>Miami Aquaculture</td>
 <td>Nylon 40/26</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Microtest tissue culture plate 96 well U bottom </td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>35-3077</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Corning Costar 24 well cell culture plates</td>
 <td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
 <td>CL3524</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Eppendorf Tubes 1.5 ml</td>
 <td>Fisher Scientific</td>
 <td>05-408-129</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Purified NA/LE Hamster Anti-Mouse CD3e</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>553057</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Purified NA/LE Hamster Anti-Mouse CD28</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>553294</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Mouse IL-6 Recombinant Protein</td>
 <td>eBioscience</td>
 <td>14-8061-62</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>TGFbeta</td>
 <td>R&amp;D Systems</td>
 <td>240-B-002</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Trypan blue solution 0.4 %</td>
 <td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
 <td>66H2364</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Pac Blue Rat Anti-Mouse CD4</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>558107</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>APC Rat Anti-Mouse CD8a</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>553035</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>PE Conjugated Anti-mouse CD25</td>
 <td>eBioscience</td>
 <td>E01155-516</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Alexa Fluor 700 Rat Anti-mouse IL-17</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>560820</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Intracellular Cytokine Staining Starter Kit-Mouse</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>51-2041AK (559311)</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>MACS CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell isolation kit, mouse</td>
 <td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
 <td>130-091-221</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>ABAM </td>
 <td>Cellgro</td>
 <td>30-004-CI</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>RPMI</td>
 <td>Corning, Cellgro</td>
 <td>10-040-CM</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>B 2-MercaptoEthanol</td>
 <td>MP Biomedical</td>
 <td>194834</td>
 <td>Hazardous</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA)</td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Ionomycin Calcium Salt</td>
 <td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
 <td>13909-1ML</td>
 <td>Hazardous</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Brefeldin A (BFA)</td>
 <td>MP Biomedicals</td>
 <td>159027</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>ELISA IL-17A Capture mAb </td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>555068</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>ELISA IL-17A Detection mAb </td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>555067</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>ELISA IL-17A Standard</td>
 <td>eBioscience</td>
 <td>14-8171-80</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>IL-2 ELISA Kit</td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>555148</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>TMB Substrate Reagent Set </td>
 <td>BD Biosciences</td>
 <td>555214</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 <td>Equipment </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>autoMACS Pro Cell Separator</td>
 <td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
 <td>130-092-545</td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Sorvall Legend RT+ Centrifuge</td>
 <td>ThermoScientific</td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Napco series 8000 WJ CO2 Incubator</td>
 <td>ThermoScientific</td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>PTC-200 Peltier Thermal Cycler</td>
 <td>Biorad</td>
 <td></td>
 <td></td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

isolation and th17 differentiation of na&iuml;ve cd4 t lymphocytes

Th17 cells are a distinct subset of T cells that have been found to produce interleukin 17 (IL-17), and differ in function from the other T cell subsets including Th1, Th2, and regulatory T cells. Th17 cells have emerged as a central culprit in overzealous inflammatory immune responses associated with many autoimmune disorders. In this method we purify T lymphocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes of C57BL/6 mice, and stimulate purified CD4+ T cells under control and Th17-inducing environments. The Th17-inducing environment includes stimulation in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, IL-6, and TGF-&#946;. After incubation for at least 72 hours and for up to five days at 37 &#176;C, cells are subsequently analyzed for the capability to produce IL-17 through flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISAs. Th17 differentiated CD4+CD25- T cells can be utilized to further elucidate the role that Th17 cells play in the onset and progression of autoimmunity and host defense. Moreover, Th17 differentiation of CD4+CD25- lymphocytes from distinct murine knockout/disease models can contribute to our understanding of cell fate plasticity.

This Th17 differentiation protocol begins with the removal of the spleen and the axillary, brachial, mesenteric, cervical, and inguinal lymph nodes. A representation of the locations of each can be found in Figures 2 and 3. Figures 1 and 5 both provide a visual representation of the methods described in this protocol.
This Th17 protocol focuses on differentiation from the CD4+CD25- T lymphocyte population. It is important to note how efficie...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of NaÃ¯ve CD4 T Lymphocytes at JoVE.com

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&amp;#239;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes

With effector functions distinct from other T cell subsets, Th17 cells have been centrally implicated in inflammatory autoimmunity. This in vitro Th17 differentiation protocol provides a means to determine whether na&#239;ve CD4+ T lymphocytes can differentiate into Th17 cells, and to further examine their role in autoimmunity and host response.

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&iuml;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Th17 cells are a distinct subset of T cells that have been found to produce interleukin 17 (IL-17), and differ in function from the other T cell subsets ...

isolation-and-th17-differentiation-of-naive-cd4-t-lymphocytes

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Immunology and Infection

34.1K Views.  The University of Florida. With effector functions distinct from other T cell subsets, Th17 cells have been centrally implicated in inflammatory autoimmunity. This in vitro Th17 differentiation protocol provides a means to determine whether naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes can differentiate into Th17 cells, and to further examine their role in autoimmunity and host response.