title: Selection of self-reactive T cells in the thymus.
abstract: On the whole, the healthy adaptive immune system is responsive to foreign antigens and tolerant to self. However, many individual lymphocytes have, and even require, substantial self-reactivity for their particular functions in immunity. In this review, we discuss several populations of lymphocytes that are thought to experience agonist stimulation through the T cell receptor during selection: nTreg cells, iNKT cells, nIELs, and nTh17s. We discuss the nature of this self-reactivity, how it compares with conventional T cells, and why it is important for overall immune health. We also outline molecular pathways unique to each lineage and consider possible commonalities to their development and survival.
authors.affiliation: Center for Immunology and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
authors.forename: Gretta L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Stritesky
authors.forename: Stephen C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Jameson
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hogquist
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta