Cumulative autoimmunity: T cell clones recognizing several self-epitopes exhibit enhanced pathogenicity.

Frontiers in Immunology
Roland S LiblauRoland M Tisch

Abstract

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition is intrinsically polyspecific. In the field of autoimmunity, recognition of both self- and microbial peptides by a single TCR has led to the concept of molecular mimicry. However, findings made by our group and others clearly demonstrate that a given TCR can also recognize multiple distinct self-peptides. Based on experimental data we argue that recognition of several self-peptides increases the pathogenicity of an autoreactive T cell; a property we refer to as "cumulative autoimmunity." The mechanisms of such increased pathogenicity, and the implications of cumulative autoimmunity regarding the pathophysiology of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases will be discussed.

Citations

Jan 31, 2013·International Reviews of Immunology·John V ForresterLucia Kuffova
Aug 20, 2014·The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists·Liliana E LuccaRoland S Liblau

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BETA
transgenic

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