Antigen recognition by CD1d-restricted NKT T cell receptors.
alphabeta T cell receptors (TCRs) have traditionally been viewed as receptors for peptide antigens presented by either Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I (for CD8 T cells) or MHC class II (for CD4 T cells) antigen-presenting molecules. However, it is now clear that some T cell lineages express TCRs that are specialized for recognition of lipid-based antigens presented by the MHC class I-like CD1 family. Recently, the molecular basis for the TCR recognition of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d has revealed an evolutionarily conserved-docking mode that is distinct from that of peptide-based recognition. T cells carrying these receptors follow a unique developmental pathway that results not only in unconventional antigen specificity, but also seemingly exaggerated functional capabilities, which makes these cells and their antigens highly attractive targets for immunotherapeutic manipulation.
Godfrey
Dale I
DI
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. godfrey@unimelb.edu.au <godfrey@unimelb.edu.au>
Pellicci
Daniel G
DG
Patel
Onisha
O
Kjer-Nielsen
Lars
L
McCluskey
James
J
Rossjohn
Jamie
J
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D055610:Antigens, CD1d / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D008055:Lipids / Q000276:immunology; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D037182:T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity
D000941:Antigens; D055610:Antigens, CD1d; D008055:Lipids; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell