T-cell subsets in autoimmunity.
The demonstration that functionally different T-cell subsets can be defined by the isoforms of the leukocyte-common antigen, CD45, that they express, has prompted studies on the roles of these subsets in autoimmunity. The results have led to the identification of a particular subset of CD4+ T cells that have the ability to inhibit autoimmune disease. Further, it has been shown that diabetes in the B-B rat can be transferred by in vitro activation of T cells by Staphylococcal enterotoxin suggesting that superantigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. However, in this system too, it appears that a subset of T cells can inhibit the induction of autoaggressive cells. In other experimental autoimmune diseases there is evidence that CD8+ T cells can be protective and that these cells may mediate this protection by the synthesis of transforming growth factor-beta.
Mason
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MRC Cellular Immunology Unit, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, UK.
Fowell
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D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens