Mechanisms inducing or controlling CD8+ T cell responses against self- or non-self-antigens.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) generally recognize antigens endogenously synthesized within the cells and presented in the form of peptides on class I molecules. However, a large body of evidence suggests that dendritic cells (DCs) have the capacity to capture and deliver exogenous antigens into the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I processing pathway. In this paper, we discuss this function, defined as cross-presentation, and how it is directed, particularly in inducing T cell tolerance, and how it requires special activating signals (such as CD40 ligand) to transform into a mechanism that provides either protective immunity or autoimmunity.
Accapezzato
Daniele
D
Fondazione Andrea Cesalpino, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, and Istituto Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Francavilla
Vittorio
V
Propato
Antonella
A
Paroli
Marino
M
Barnaba
Vincenzo
V
D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans
D000941:Antigens