ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
T cell receptorγδ
;
Autoimmune disease
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary A small population of T cells does not express the conventional T cell receptor characterized by theα andβ polypeptide chains (TCRαβ) but instead, two polypeptides termedγ andδ (TCRγδ). This alternative receptor is able to recognize antigen. It appears early in T cell ontogeny, but its role in the thymus prior to the availability of TCRαβ remains unclear. In selected sites such as skin or gut TCRγδ predominates in mice which might suggest a role ofγδ T cells in the first line of defense against infection,γδ T cells secrete lymphokines and display cytotoxic activity. However, their activation requirements may differ from what is known forαβ T cells since MHC-nonrestricted and also CD4 and CD8 negativeγδ T cells have been described. Preferential activation by mycobacterial antigens possibly indicates a special repertoire of theγδ T cells. In various diseases slightly increased numbers ofγδ T cells were found, but these preliminary studies have not yet provided evidence for a major pathogenetic role ofγδ T cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01648239
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