Molecules in medicine mini review: the αβ T cell receptor.
As an integral part of the mammalian immune system, a distributed network of tissues, cells, and extracellular factors, T lymphocytes perform and control a multitude of activities that collectively contribute to the effective establishment, maintenance, and restoration of tissue and organismal integrity. Development and function of T cells is controlled by the T cell receptor (TCR), a heterodimeric cell surface protein uniquely expressed on T cells. During T cell development, the TCR undergoes extensive somatic diversification that generates a diverse T cell repertoire capable of recognizing an extraordinary range of protein and nonprotein antigens presented in the context of major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC). In this review, we provide an introduction to the TCR, describing underlying principles that position this molecule as a central regulator of the adaptive immune system involved in responses ranging from tissue protection and preservation to pathology and autoimmunity.
Department of Anesthesiology, Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop B112, Research Complex 2, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA, eric.clambey@ucdenver.edu.
Eric T
ET
Clambey
Bennett
B
Davenport
John W
JW
Kappler
Philippa
P
Marrack
Dirk
D
Homann
D006801:Humans; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology; D060152:V(D)J Recombination
D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta