Stimulating killer cells
Article Abstract:
Immunity to an organism that causes disease is a complex phenomenon involving many types of cells of the immune system. Cytotoxic T cells, a subset of immune cells known as lymphocytes, can recognize a cell containing a foreign molecule and destroy it. These killer cells recognize short protein segments on the surfaces of host molecules, known as major histocompatibility antigens. Since T cells recognize only a portion of the foreign molecule, it was hoped that peptides that are identical to the portion of the molecule and are synthesized in the laboratory could be used to stimulate the immune system to respond. Although this artificial stimulation works with helper T cells, which are involved in the production of antibodies, synthetic peptides do not stimulate cytotoxic T cells. A report by Deres et al. in the November 30, 1989 issue of Nature shows that the addition of a lipoprotein (a molecule consisting of lipids, or fatty acids, and protein) to the peptide causes stimulation and activation of cytotoxic T cells. The mechanism may involve the ability of the peptide to enter the cytoplasm of the cell, or to associate with certain major histocompatibility antigens, of which there are many, or for the complex to be inserted into the cell membrane. This work is important as peptides are being developed for vaccines. However, many different peptides from the immunogenic proteins of infectious organisms may have to be used in the vaccine, to ensure that the peptides will combine with certain host major histocompatibility antigens and will activate cytotoxic T cells.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1989
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Selecting and maintaining a diverse T-cell repertoire
Article Abstract:
There is still considerable uncertainty about the factors that control the production and maintenance of the memory T-cell pool. Further confusion has been created by the discovery that memory T cells are heterogeneous and can be subclassified, with some preferentially entering inflamed tissues and performing immediate effector function and others retaining receptors for entering secondary lymphoid organs. Future research must seek to identify the developmental pathway of T lymphocytes from the thymus, to naive peripheral cell, to effector cell to memory cell.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Polarizing a T-cell response
Article Abstract:
Information about signals passing through Notch receptors, which regulate many developmental decisions, which may also dictate the type of immune response to infection, is presented. Analyses that will unravel the complexities of notch signaling in naive CD4 T cells are still awaited which may also solve many questions, is also discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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