Intercellular exchange of surface molecules and its physiological relevance.
For many decades, cellular immunologists have relied on the expression of various cell surface molecules to divide cells into different types and subtypes to study their function. However, in recent years, a large and fast-expanding body of work has described the transfer of surface molecules, including MHC class I and II molecules, between cells, both in vitro and in vivo. The function of this process is still largely unknown, but it is likely to have a significant role in the control of the immune system. It is also likely that this process takes place in a regulated rather than stochastic manner, thus providing another way for the immune system to orchestrate its function. In this review we will summarize the key findings so far, examining the mechanisms of transfer, the consequences of this transfer as shown by in vitro experiments, and possible consequences for the wider immune response.
MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, School of Medicine at Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK.
Kathryn
K
Brown
Mehmet
M
Fidanboylu
Wilson
W
Wong
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000378:metabolism; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D054992:Immunological Synapses / Q000378:metabolism; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II