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Molecular signals and genetic reprogramming in peripheral T‐cell differentiation
Author(s) -
Noble A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.297
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1365-2567
pISSN - 0019-2805
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2567.2000.00133.x
Subject(s) - biology , reprogramming , t cell receptor , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , peripheral tolerance , t cell , population , il 2 receptor , immunology , antigen , cell , genetics , medicine , environmental health
SUMMARY Rearrangement of gene segments occurs in T lymphocytes during thymic development as the T‐cell receptor (TCR) is first expressed, allowing T cells to become central regulators of antigen specificity in the acquired immune system. However, further development of T cells occurs after population of peripheral lymphoid tissues, which can result in T‐cell expansion and differentiation into effectors of various immune function, or progression to memory T cells, anergic cells or death by apoptosis. This review focuses on more recent developments concerning the choices that peripheral T cells make between first encountering antigen through TCR recognition and death. These decisions are associated with a process of genetic reprogramming that alters the behaviour of cells so that immune responses are appropriately regulated.