Retroviral super-antigens and T cells.
For many years immunologists have been intrigued by a series of potent antigens encoded in the murine genome. These antigens, originally termed minor lymphocyte stimulating (Mls) antigens, are capable of inducing extremely strong T cell proliferative responses when presented in the context of MHC class II molecules. Recently, Mls antigens have been shown to stimulate T cells bearing particular T cell receptor V beta elements, leading to the designation of super-antigens. The endogenous expression of these super-antigens in mice results in the clonal elimination of large numbers of T cells in order to maintain self-tolerance. In this review we discuss the recent identification of endogenous super-antigens as retroviral gene products. In addition, we analyze the role of class II MHC molecules in the presentation of endogenous super-antigens to T cells. Finally, we discuss the dramatic effect of retroviral super-antigens on the T cell repertoire.
Woodland
D L
DL
Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105.
Blackman
M A
MA
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D008324:Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016747:Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D016747:Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta