Antigen recognition by human gammadelta T lymphocytes.
Mature T lymphocytes carrying the conventional alphabeta T cell receptor (TCR) recognize peptide antigens in the context of MHC class I (CD8+) and MHC class II (CD4+) antigens, respectively. In striking contrast, human gammadelta T lymphocytes recognize unconventional antigens via their heterodimeric TCR in a non-MHC-restricted fashion. In this brief review, we discuss recent progress in the identification of ligands that are specifically recognized by human gammadelta T cells. It appears that gammadelta T cells have evolved to supplement the cellular immune response towards antigens that are not seen by alphabeta T lymphocytes.
Kabelitz
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Institute of Immunology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. kabelitz@immunologie.uni-kiel.de
Glatzel
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A
Wesch
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D
D000588:Amines / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance; D008024:Ligands; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000276:immunology; D011506:Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D000588:Amines; D000941:Antigens; D008024:Ligands; D010755:Organophosphates; D011506:Proteins; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta