Differential T‐cell receptor signals for T helper cell programming

Abstract

Upon encounter with their cognate antigen, naive CD4 T cells become activated and are induced to differentiate into several possible T helper (Th) cell subsets. This differentiation depends on a number of factors including antigen‐presenting cells, cytokines and co‐stimulatory molecules. The strength of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) signal, related to the affinity of TCR for antigen and antigen dose, has emerged as a dominant factor in determining Th cell fate. Recent studies have revealed that TCR signals of high or low strength do not simply induce quantitatively different signals in the T cells, but rather qualitatively distinct pathways can be induced based on TCR signal strength. This review examines the recent literature in this area and highlights important new developments in our understanding of Th cell differentiation and TCR signal strength.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
May 25, 2018
Source ID
10.1111/imm.12945

Entities

People

  • Penelope A. Morel

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • University of Pittsburgh

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Systems Analysis and Design