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T lymphocyte-endothelial cell interactions
Jaehyuk Choi1, David R Enis, Kian Peng Koh
1Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Transplantation, Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06536-0812, USA.
Annual Review of Immunology
|March 23, 2004
Summary
Human vascular endothelial cells present microbial antigens to T cells for immune surveillance. This interaction bidirectionally influences blood vessel function and immune responses, linking the circulatory and immune systems.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human vascular endothelial cells (EC) express MHC class I and II molecules, facilitating interaction with circulating T cells.
- EC are strategically positioned to encounter circulating immune cells and potentially present antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vascular endothelial cells in presenting microbial antigens to memory T cells.
- To explore the bidirectional communication between T cells and endothelial cells in modulating vascular functions.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a mechanism involving MHC-peptide complexes on EC surface.
- It considers the signaling pathways activated by T cell interactions with EC.
Main Results:
- EC are proposed to present microbial antigens to memory T cells, contributing to immune surveillance.
- Activated T cells modulate EC functions, including blood vessel formation, blood flow, fluidity, and leukocyte recruitment.
- T cell interactions also influence EC's own antigen presentation capabilities.
Conclusions:
- T cell interactions with vascular EC are bidirectional, establishing a link between the immune and circulatory systems.
- This interaction is crucial for immune surveillance and regulation of vascular homeostasis.