The molecular basis of metal recognition by T cells.
T lymphocytes play critical roles in a series of important immune responses, including delayed-type hypersensitivity and contact sensitivity. Metal haptens such as nickel are among the most common sensitizers. In general, T cells recognize fragments of proteins complexed to MHC molecules. Haptens, however, are too small to be antigenic by themselves. Recent experiments have suggested that hapten-specific T cells recognize hapten-modified MHC-peptide complexes. Here I review the data supporting this hypothesis and speculate on the relevance of these findings for the understanding of chemical-induced hypersensitivities.
Sinigaglia
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F
Roche Milano Ricerche, Italy.
D000917:Antibody Formation; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology; D006241:Haptens / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000139:chemically induced; D008670:Metals / Q000276:immunology*; D009532:Nickel / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D006241:Haptens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D008670:Metals; D009532:Nickel