Specificity and degeneracy: T cell recognition in CNS autoimmunity.
T cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of most autoimmune disorders. However, target antigens and pathomechanisms leading to human autoimmune diseases are still largely unknown. Cross-recognition of T cells between self and foreign antigens has been considered as a driving force in generating autoimmunity. Here, we discuss the extent of degeneracy in T cell antigen recognition and hypothesize on the role of degenerate recognition in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a candidate autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
Zhou
Dun
D
Clinical Neuroimmunology Group, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University, Rudolf-Bultmann Strasse 8, 35033 Marburg, Germany.
Hemmer
Bernhard
B
D000818:Animals; D020274:Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell