Polyspecificity of T cell and B cell receptor recognition
Kai W Wucherpfennig1, Paul M Allen, Franco Celada
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. kai_wucherpfennig@dfci.harvard.edu
Seminars in Immunology
|April 3, 2007
Summary
Individual T cell and B cell receptors can recognize multiple ligands, a feature termed polyspecificity. This inherent ability is crucial for lymphocyte development, activation, and disease processes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T cell receptors (TCRs) and B cell receptors (BCRs) are key to adaptive immunity.
- Traditionally, receptor recognition was viewed as highly specific to single ligands.
- Recent findings challenge this paradigm, revealing broader recognition capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the concept of polyspecificity in T cell and B cell receptor recognition.
- To explore the implications of polyspecificity for lymphocyte biology.
- To review the relevance of polyspecificity in lymphocyte development, activation, and disease.
Main Methods:
- Workshop discussions synthesizing existing research.
- Review of diverse examples of polyspecificity.
- Analysis of structural mechanisms underlying polyspecific recognition.
Main Results:
- Polyspecificity, the recognition of multiple distinct ligands by individual receptors, is a general and inherent feature of TCR and antibody recognition.
- Numerous examples and structural mechanisms supporting polyspecificity were presented.
- The term 'polyspecificity' is recommended for its emphasis on both inherent specificity and multi-ligand recognition.
Conclusions:
- Polyspecificity is a fundamental property of lymphocyte receptors.
- Understanding polyspecificity is vital for comprehending normal lymphocyte function.
- Polyspecificity has significant implications for immune system disorders and therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
00:42Cross-reactivity
Overview