Cytotoxic human CD4(+) T cells.
The induction of adaptive immune responses critically depends on helper signals provided by CD4(+) T cells. These signals not only license antigen presenting cells (APC) to activate naïve CD8(+) T cells leading to the formation of vast numbers of cytotoxic T lymphocytes but also support the differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells. Next to these helper functions, a subpopulation of CD4(+) T cells can also directly function as effector cells by executing cytotoxicity in a peptide-specific and MHC class II-restricted manner. Cytotoxic CD4(+) T cells may function in combating pathogens but additionally their presence has been associated with autoimmune disease and vascular damage. On the contrary, the induction of cytotoxic CD4(+) T cells may be a future target for vaccine strategies.
van de Berg
Pablo J
PJ
Department of Experimental Immunology and Renal Transplant Unit, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Leeuwen
Ester M
EM
ten Berge
Ineke J
IJ
van Lier
Rene
R
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D010641:Phenotype; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D019496:Cancer Vaccines