1. Antigen presentation by parenchymal cells: a route to peripheral tolerance?
- Author
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Marelli-Berg, Federica M. and Lechler, Robert I.
- Subjects
ANTIGENS ,T cells ,IMMUNE response ,MAJOR histocompatibility complex - Abstract
T-cell activation and the development of efficient immune responses requires the delivery, by the antigen-presenting cell, of two distinct signals. The first results from the engagement of the TCR:CD3:CD4 complex, and the second from the interaction of CD28 with the B7 family of co-stimulatory molecules. In this context, the physiological significance and the functional consequences of antigen presentation by B7-deficient parenchymal cells, which express MHC class II molecules as a result of inflammation, remains a matter of debate. In this paper we have attempted to critically review the often conflicting reports on the functional effects of antigen presentation by epithelial and endothelial cells to T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Our own findings are summarised in a model which is consistent with the suggestion of an important role for antigen presentation by parenchymal cells in the induction and the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1999
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