Determination of T-cell fate by dendritic cells: a new role for asymmetric cell division?
The production, from a single naive T cell, of the many different activated T cell types required for an effective immune response has fascinated immunologists for decades. This process underpins the development of vaccines, immunosuppressive regimes in transplant patients, and immunotherapy in cancer among other things. Despite the enormous advances in detailing the mechanisms and influencing factors in the differentiation of each T-cell subtype, it is still not clear how the different T-cell progeny are produced in proportions that are appropriate for each situation. This review discusses the notion that asymmetric cell division might allow for the regulated generation of different cell populations.
Russell
Sarah M
SM
Immune Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sarah.russell@petermac.org
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*