T cell recognition of epithelial self.
The presentation of self-antigens to circulating T cells is a critical, precipitating event in the induction of autoimmune injury in parenchymal organs. Epithelia expressing these self-antigens are thought to release such moieties for reprocessing by traditional antigen-presenting cells within the lymphoid system. We now demonstrate, however, that some epithelium possess novel functional mechanisms for presenting their own antigens to a responsive, syngeneic T cell repertoire. The presentation of these self-antigens occurs in the context of MHC class II molecules and depends on CD4 associative-recognition determinants. Our findings strongly suggest that organ epithelium may directly activate cell-mediated events to produce autoimmunity through self-recognition.
Hines
W H
WH
Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104.
Haverty
T P
TP
Elias
J A
JA
Neilson
E G
EG
Kelly
C J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D009395:Nephritis, Interstitial / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001324:Autoantigens; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II