Functions of notch signaling in the immune system: consensus and controversies.
Mammalian genomes encode up to four Notch receptors (Notch1-4) and five Notch ligands of the DSL (Delta/Serrate/Lag-2) family, and Notch signaling controls a wide spectrum of developmental processes. Intrathymic Notch1 signaling is essential for several distinct aspects of early T cell development. Notch signaling has also been implicated as a key regulator of peripheral T cell activation and effector cell differentiation, but its functions in these processes remain poorly understood. Notch signaling is dispensable for B cell development in the bone marrow, but it is required to generate the innate-like marginal zone B cell subset in the spleen and may also regulate plasma cell functions. Modification of Notch receptors by fringe glycosyltransferases influences many Notch-dependent aspects of hematopoiesis by altering Notch responsiveness to Delta-like versus Jagged DSL ligands. Here we review recent advances in general aspects of Notch signaling, as well as studies probing Notch functions in these immunological processes.
Yuan
Julie S
JS
Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Kousis
Philaretos C
PC
Suliman
Sara
S
Visan
Ioana
I
Guidos
Cynthia J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D011134:Polysaccharides; D051880:Receptors, Notch