Functional implications of T cell receptor diversity.
Naive T cells are recruited into any given host response by recognizing a spectrum of possible antigens with 'sufficient' avidity. Does selecting a more functionally diverse array give better immune control? Perhaps low avidity 'killers' that 'kiss and run' operate optimally to eliminate virus-infected targets, while high avidity 'helpers' that stay faithfully in place produce more cytokine. Recent findings indeed suggest that the selection of a broad T cell receptor repertoire is characteristic of the initial phase following antigen contact, while continued exposure leads to further cycles of division and the progressive numerical dominance of 'best-fit' clonotypes. Here, we review recent advances demonstrating a link between T cell repertoire diversity and immunity to infection, and consider the potential mechanisms at play.
Turner
Stephen J
SJ
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sjturn@unimelb.edu.au
La Gruta
Nicole L
NL
Kedzierska
Katherine
K
Thomas
Paul G
PG
Doherty
Peter C
PC
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell