A comprehensive review of the phenotype and function of antigen-specific immunoregulatory double negative T cells.
Double negative T cells that lack the expression of both CD4 and CD8 T cell co-receptors exhibit a most unique antigen-specific immunoregulatory potential first described over a decade ago. Due to their immunoregulatory function, this rare T cell population has been studied in both mice and humans for their contribution to peripheral tolerance and disease prevention. Consequently, double negative cells are gaining interest as a potential cellular therapeutic. Herein, we review the phenotype and function of double negative T cells with emphasis on their capacity to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance. While the phenotypic and functional similarities between double negative T cells identified in mouse and humans are highlighted, we also call attention to the need for a specific marker of double negative T cells, which will facilitate future studies in humans. Altogether, due to their unique properties, double negative T cells present a promising therapeutic potential in the context of various disease settings.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada. erinhillhouse@gmail.com
Erin E
EE
Hillhouse
Sylvie
S
Lesage
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D051379:Mice; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell