Soluble extracellular antigen-specific T cell immunoproteins.
Some T cells release proteins that bind specifically to antigens that have not been processed by antigen-presenting cells. These soluble immunoproteins induce or effect antigen-specific T cell functions in immunoregulation and/or hypersensitivity. After certain immunization regimens, T cell immunoproteins specific for the immunogen rise in serum, and therefore may be an antigen-specific, humoral manifestation of the activation of some T cells during an immune response. Although non-MHC (major histocompatibility complex)-associated antigen is bound, soluble antigen-specific T cell immunoproteins share variable and constant region epitopes and some amino acid sequence with the T cell receptor for antigen alpha or beta chains, and their expression depends on T cell receptor structural genes. Herein, the properties of extracellular antigen-specific T cell immunoproteins are reviewed and it is suggested that these molecules are a soluble analogue of the T cell receptor for antigen and provide an amplifying element for some T cell functions.
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Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, 06030-3105, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000941:Antigens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell