Abstract

CD4⁺ helper T (T H ) cells consist of multiple functional subsets defined by specific effector cytokines and transcription factors. Recently, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have revealed possible existence of additional populations. Here we identify a unique CD4⁺ T cell subset in mouse and human colitis characterized by high levels of granzyme K ( Gzmk ) expression, designated as T H K cells. These cells exhibit unique transcriptional signatures, with minimal expression of classical T H -defining factors but rather prominent Eomesodermin ( Eomes ) expression. Notably, T H K cell differentiation is independent of T H 1, T H 2 and T H 17 lineages in colitis. EOMES is both necessary and sufficient for T H K cell induction, by directly driving the expression of Gzmk and associated effector molecules. Genetic ablation of Eomes ameliorates intestinal immunopathology in a T cell-induced colitis model. The T H K transcriptional program seems to be conserved across species and in diverse disease contexts. Our findings establish T H K cells as a distinct T H cell subtype, and the EOMES–T H K axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.