title: The immunoregulatory effects of Qa-1.
abstract: The immune system is not only well equipped to control infections but also tightly controlled to prevent autoimmune disease. Despite the negative selection of T-cell clones in the thymus, mature T cells capable of recognizing self-antigens are present in every individual. Several types of specialized regulatory cells maintain homeostasis and prevent expansion of autoreactive T cells. In this issue of Immunological Reviews, the role of CD4+ regulatory T cells is extensively discussed. Suppression of T-cell responses by CD8+ T cells has received less attention. Here, we review research on Qa-1-restricted CD8+ regulatory T cells. We focus on the role of this class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule in both CD8+ regulatory T-cell activity and protection of activated T cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer Immunology & AIDS, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Linrong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Miriam B F
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Werneck
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cantor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000378:metabolism; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D010455:Peptides; C032907:Q surface antigens; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell