Differentiation/Polarization & T helper 17 cell (Th17)

The naive CD4+ T cell but also innate immune cells secrete Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), Interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines stimulate the Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1), the Interleukin-23 Receptor (IL23R), and the Interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) on the T helper 17 cell. The resulting signaling cascade leads to Th17 cell differentiation. The differentiated cells can produce and release Interleukin-17 Family / Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interleukin-22 (IL-22).
Korn et al. 2009 Annu. Rev. Immunol. 27: 485-517

Smad2 plays a role in the transmission of extracellular signals from ligands of the Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-beta) into the cell nucleus.

SMAD3 acts as a mediator of the signals initiated by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of cytokines, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and death.
Massagué 1998 Annual Review of Biochemistry 67(1): 753-791
Moustakas et al. 2001 Journal of Cell Science 114 (Pt 24): 4359-4369