[T-helper cells--bandleaders of immune response].

T-helper (Th) cells direct the actions of immune response by means of cytokines, soluble growth factors produced by them. Helper cells are divided into at least four different subtypes, dysfunctions of which may lead to disease states such as autoimmunity or asthma. Elucidation of regulatory mechanisms of the immune response has brought on the market biological drugs that are more effective and better tolerated than conventional drugs, such as antibodies inhibiting the action of cytokines. Since immune responses can be directed by affecting T-helper cell functions, research on T-helper cells is of interest for drug development.