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Spatial and Temporal Control of T Cell Activation Using a Photoactivatable Agonist
Published on: April 25, 2018
Class IV semaphorin Sema4A enhances T-cell activation and interacts with Tim-2
Atsushi Kumanogoh1, Satoko Marukawa, Kazuhiro Suzuki
1Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
The semaphorin Sema4A protein, found on dendritic and B cells, boosts T cell activation and differentiation. Blocking Sema4A in mice prevents experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, revealing its role in immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Semaphorins are conserved proteins involved in neuronal development and immune responses.
- CD100 (Sema4D) is a class IV semaphorin that signals through CD72 in the immune system.
- The role of Sema4A in immune responses was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the class IV semaphorin Sema4A in immune responses.
- To identify the receptor for Sema4A.
Main Methods:
- Studied Sema4A expression in dendritic cells and B cells.
- Assessed the effect of Sema4A on T cell activation and differentiation in vitro.
- Investigated the role of Sema4A in an in vivo mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
- Used expression cloning to identify the Sema4A receptor.
Main Results:
- Sema4A enhances in vitro T cell activation and differentiation.
- Sema4A promotes the in vivo generation of antigen-specific T cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies against Sema4A block EAE development.
- Tim-2 was identified as the receptor for Sema4A on activated T cells.
Conclusions:
- Sema4A plays a significant role in T cell activation, differentiation, and immune responses.
- Sema4A is a key regulator in the development of autoimmune diseases like EAE.
- Tim-2 is the functional receptor for Sema4A, mediating its effects on T cells.
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