Essential flexibility in the T-cell recognition of antigen.
alpha beta T cells specifically recognize a ligand composed of a peptide bound to a self-major-histocompatibility-complex molecule, but the recognition of slightly altered ligands by T cells can lead to a partial activation. This flexibility is crucial for T-cell development and can have both beneficial and harmful effects on peripheral T cells.
Kersh
G J
GJ
Center for Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Allen
P M
PM
D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D008024:Ligands; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000819:agonists / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D008024:Ligands; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell