Function of autoreactive T cells in immune responses.
We have constructed a model (Fig. 2) to explain the activation and regulation of autoreactive T cells by antigen. Antigen priming appears to be important for both antigen-specific and autoreactive T cells. Once activated, these T cells have the capacity to stimulate B cells to produce antibody in a very similar manner. It is possible that these two types of T cells work in concert to maintain an active immune response. Under circumstances where antigen-specific T-cell help may be limiting, autoreactive T cells may function to enhance B-cell responses. In addition, antigen appears to activate the regulatory mechanisms that are important for down-regulating the B-cell antibody response. Carrier-specific T-suppressor cells are antigen-specific in their activation but can be antigen-nonspecific in their effector function. In this way the regulatory mechanism driven by antigen can function to inactivate the antigen-specific and the autoreactive T-cell activation of B cells.
Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical School, Chicago, IL 60612.
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Finnegan
B W
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Needleman
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Hodes
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000939:Epitopes