Abstract
Naive T lymphocytes undergo heterogeneous proliferative responses when introduced into lymphopenic hosts, referred to as “homeostatic proliferation” and “spontaneous proliferation.” Spontaneous proliferation is a unique process through which the immune system generates memory phenotype cells with increasing T cell receptors repertoire complexity. Here, the mechanisms that initiate and control spontaneous proliferation are discussed.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to T Cell Biology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Immunology
Spontaneous proliferation is a unique process through which the immune system generates memory phenotype cells with increasing T cell receptors repertoire complexity
Gascoigne and colleagues examined the role of different protein kinase C isoforms and found that PKCη, but not PKCθ plays a key role in regulating homeostatic proliferation of CD8 T cells in sublethally irradiated recipients [30]
Summary
T cells that survive the selection processes and leave the thymus to express the T cell receptors (TCR) displaying a measurable, yet weak reactivity against self-antigens that is not strong enough to cause autoimmunity, yet sufficient enough to maintain both survivability and reactivity to the subsequent antigen encounter [1, 2]. Since developing thymocytes are selected based on “self-reactivity,” the immune system develops an additional measure to prevent unnecessary T cell activation in response to self-antigens in the periphery, including anergy and regulatory T cells. The failure in such regulatory mechanisms results in uncontrolled autoimmune inflammatory responses.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
