Figure 4.
Potential mechanisms of T-cell plasticity. Various mechanisms of T-cell plasticity have been tested, suggested and loosely implied. Intrinsic mechanisms, (1) including the stage of TH cell maturation may be inversely correlated to plasticity. (2) Post-transcriptional regulation by small RNA molecules, including miRNAs, can dramatically alter the T-cell phenotype. (3 and 4) Changing TF expression and activation with permissive epigenetic marks at TF binding sites can re-programme entire gene programmes. (5) A change in nutrient availability may trigger changes in intracellular metabolic pathways and the resultant T-cell phenotype and function. (6 and 7) Extracellular influences, including interactions with innate cell receptors or triggering of cytokine signalling pathways may dynamically alter cytokine receptor expression on T cells, making them permissive to subsequent re-programming signals. APC, antigen-presenting cell; Eos, eosinophil; ILC, innate-like helper cells; Mac, macrophage; Neut, neutrophil.