Review article: molecular signals and genetic reprogramming in peripheral T-cell differentiation.
Rearrangement of gene segments occurs in T lymphocytes during thymic development as the T-cell receptor (TCR) is first expressed, allowing T cells to become central regulators of antigen specificity in the acquired immune system. However, further development of T cells occurs after population of peripheral lymphoid tissues, which can result in T-cell expansion and differentiation into effectors of various immune function, or progression to memory T cells, anergic cells or death by apoptosis. This review focuses on more recent developments concerning the choices that peripheral T cells make between first encountering antigen through TCR recognition and death. These decisions are associated with a process of genetic reprogramming that alters the behaviour of cells so that immune responses are appropriately regulated.
Noble
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Department of Immunology, Guy's, King's & St Thomas' School of Medicine, London, UK.
D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell