title: The antigen presentation function of renal tubular epithelial cells.
abstract: Renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) have the capacity to function as antigen-presenting cells (APC). The processing of native antigen and the presentation of peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II products on TEC results in engagement of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR). TEC also express a variety of adhesion molecules and cytokines which may enhance their interaction with T cells. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1) on TEC enhances their adherence to T cells. Immune-activated TEC display and/or secrete numerous cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) which may provide accessory signals for T cells and upregulate TEC adhesion molecule receptors. We review the two signals required for T cell activation and suggest a model whereby T cell interaction with TEC can have two possible sequelae: (1) T cell activation or (2) T cell unresponsiveness. TEC and other parenchymal cells could potentially be important in maintaining peripheral tolerance to tissue-specific self-antigens if Ia (signal 1) and costimulatory signals (signal 2) are not induced simultaneously. Conversely, coordinate expression of signals 1 and 2 would inevitably lead to organ-specific immune injury. Studies to further elucidate the nature of T cell interactions with parenchymal cells are clearly essential for a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Singer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000276:immunology; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II