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T-cell anergy: from phenotype to genotype and back
Christine M Seroogy1, C Garrison Fathman
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Immunologic Research
|January 10, 2004
Summary
Anergy, a state of antigen-specific unresponsiveness in T cells, is explored. Researchers identified Gene Related to Anergy In Lymphocytes (GRAIL) as a key factor involved in this immune cell anergy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Anergy describes antigen-specific unresponsiveness in immune cells.
- In vitro studies in the 1980s highlighted the need for protein synthesis and calcium mobilization in anergy.
- The search for specific "anergy factors" has been ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anergy phenotype and proposed anergy-related genes.
- To present findings on a novel gene, Gene Related to Anergy In Lymphocytes (GRAIL).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on T cell anergy.
- Analysis of gene expression in anergized T cells (in vitro and in vivo).
- Gene transduction experiments to assess functional impact.
Main Results:
- No single "anergy factor" has been definitively identified to date.
- Gene Related to Anergy In Lymphocytes (GRAIL) was found to be upregulated in anergized T cells.
- Transduction of GRAIL into T cells replicated the anergy phenotype.
Conclusions:
- GRAIL is a novel gene upregulated during T cell anergy.
- GRAIL plays a significant role in reiterating the anergy phenotype in lymphocytes.