The origin and regulation of autopathogenic T cells.
A clear understanding of the events surrounding the selection of autoreactive T cells in the thymus and their regulation in the periphery has eluded immunologists for years. However, recent work examining the expression of tissue-specific antigens in the thymus and the biochemistry of disease associated MHC alleles has provided important clues into the generation of the autoreactive T cell repertoire in the thymus. In addition, recent studies focusing on the role of immunoregulatory cytokines and cross-reactive peptide ligands has provided information regarding both the regulation and activation of autoreactive cells in the periphery. An improved understanding of the selection and regulation of autoreactive T cells will undoubtedly aid in the development of strategies for treating autoimmune disease.
Anderson
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AC
Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Nicholson
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LB
Kuchroo
V K
VK
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*