Immunoregulation: the key to transplantation and autoimmunity.
Immune responses depend on a unique set of recognition structures, namely, antibody molecules embedded in the B cell membrane for antibody formation and alpha-beta chain heterodimers of the T cell receptor for cellular immune receptors. These structures are coded for by genes, which undergo rearrangements during the differentiation of B- and T-lymphocytes known as somatic translocations. The end result of this process is the creation of separate repertoires of B and T cells, each single cell displaying a unique receptor. Antigen acts by selecting preexisting antigen-reactive cells for division and further differentiation. Accessory cells such as macrophages are essential for the initiation of most immune responses. Different subsets of T-lymphocytes play a vital regulatory role, not only in controlling cell-mediated immunity as such, but also in guiding B cell function. Understanding the roles of accessory cells, regulatory T cells, and the molecules on their surface is essential for understanding immunoregulation. At present, immunosuppression in organ transplantation and therapy of autoimmune diseases are largely nonspecific and empirical. As the rules of the interactive immunoproliferative cascade are progressively unraveled, more targeted immune manipulation will become possible, and some future avenues of this sort are described.
Nossal
G J
GJ
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008967:Molecular Biology; D014181:Transplantation Immunology
D000941:Antigens; D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents