Glucocorticoids in T cell development, differentiation and function

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in regulating T cell immunity through both systemic and local mechanisms.

• Endogenous GCs may promote and suppress T cell immunity.
• They help select T cell receptor self-affinities in the thymus.
• GCs regulate T cell movement between different anatomical areas.
• They suppress type 1 T helper cell responses while allowing type 2 and IL-17-producing T helper cell responses.
• Local production of GCs may enable them to act as signals specifically targeting activated T cells.

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