ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The recent description of a selective human CD3γ deficiency and other T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 structural and functional defects, together with previous biochemical data on the structure and interactions of the TCR/CD3 complex, may aid in elucidating the physiology of this multi-subunit membrane ensemble. CD3γ seemed to be required for the commitment and thymic maturation of an important fraction of T lymphocytes to the CD8 (but not CD4) lineage, perhaps by participating with the CD8 co-receptor in the instructive signal delivered throtigh the αβ TCR during intrathymic positive selection by HLA class I molecules. The homologous CD3δ component would, in contrast, be necessary for the selection of CD4 lymphocytes by HLA class II molecules. The interaction of CD4 and CD8 with the TCR/CD3 complex during antigen recognition may thus be asymmetrical, taking place through CD3δ and γ respectively. Also, the existence of in vivo functional TCR/CD3 hemireceptors (lacking either CD3γ or CD3δ is suggested, and defects in their relative amount on the T-cell surface may disrupt unresponsiveness to self antigens and generate autoimmunity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.1992.tb02950.x
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