Is selection for TCR affinity a factor in cytokine polarization?
Many factors influence polarization of CD4 T cells to Th1 or Th2, including those collectively termed 'strength of stimulation', such as peptide dose and duration of T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement. When other factors dictate the need for a Th1 or Th2 response, there might be selection from the TCR pool, selecting for those with optimal affinity for the desired cytokine profile. In a Th2 environment, this would entail selection from the bulk population of lower affinity receptors, causing differential signaling and favoring transcription of Th2 cytokines. Reliance on experiments using a single, transgenic TCR polarized into either subset might have obscured the fact that, under physiological conditions, there is selection for differential TCRs on the basis of affinity.
Boyton
Rosemary J
RJ
Human Disease Immunogenetics Group, Dept of Infectious Diseases, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, UK W12 ONN.
Altmann
Daniel M
DM
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell