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Related Concept Videos

Antigen Processing Pathways01:31

Antigen Processing Pathways

MHC molecules are key players in the immune response, enabling T cells to recognize and respond to specific antigens. They are present on the surface of all nucleated cells in the body and are instrumental in presenting antigens to T cells and activating them. T cells recognize the MHC-antigen complex and initiate an immune response. MHC class I and MHC class II are two main types of MHC molecules, each associated with a distinct antigen processing pathway.
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response01:31

Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response

Inositol-requiring kinase one or IRE1 is the most conserved eukaryotic unfolded protein response (UPR) receptor. It is a type I transmembrane protein kinase receptor with a distinctive site-specific RNase activity. As the binding mechanics of the misfolded proteins with the N-terminal domain of IRE-1 are unclear, three binding models — direct, indirect, and allosteric -- are proposed for receptor activation. Nevertheless, it is known that once a misfolded protein associates with IRE1, it...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens 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.
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane01:28

Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane

The translocon complex situated on the ER membrane is the main gateway for the protein secretory pathway. It facilitates the transport of nascent peptides into the ER lumen and their insertion into the ER membrane.
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.
Protein Folding Quality Check in the RER01:29

Protein Folding Quality Check in the RER

ER is the primary site for the maturation and folding of soluble and transmembrane secretory proteins. The calnexin cycle is a specific chaperone system that folds and assesses the confirmation of N-glycosylated proteins before they can exit the ER lumen. The primary players of this quality check pipeline are the lectins, ER-resident chaperones, and a glucosyl transferase enzyme. In case the calnexin system in the lumen fails to salvage a misfolded protein, it is transported to the cytoplasm...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

Diversity 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Preparation of Single-Cell Suspension of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells and Staining of Intracellular Molecules for Flow Cytometric Analysis
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E proteins enforce security checkpoints in the thymus.

Gilbert J Kersh1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, 7311 Woodruff Memorial Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. gkersh@emory.edu

Immunity
|December 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Two studies reveal novel functions for E proteins in thymocyte development. These proteins are crucial for both beta selection and positive selection stages in the thymus.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology
  • T-cell Biology

Background:

  • Thymocyte development is a complex process involving distinct stages of T-cell maturation within the thymus.
  • E proteins are transcription factors known to play roles in various cellular processes, but their specific functions in T-cell development were not fully elucidated.
  • Beta selection and positive selection are critical checkpoints that ensure the proper development of functional T-cells.

Discussion:

  • This issue of Immunity features two independent studies that uncover previously unrecognized roles for E proteins in thymocyte differentiation.
  • Agata et al. (2007) identify a role for E proteins in the beta selection process, a crucial step for T-cell receptor signaling.
  • Jones and Zhuang (2007) demonstrate that E proteins are also involved in positive selection, where thymocytes expressing T-cell receptors with self-MHC specificity are rescued from apoptosis.

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Key Insights:

  • E proteins are essential regulators of multiple stages in thymocyte development.
  • The findings highlight E proteins' involvement in both the initiation of T-cell receptor signaling (beta selection) and the survival of potentially useful T-cells (positive selection).
  • These studies collectively expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing T-cell lineage commitment and maturation.

Outlook:

  • Further research could explore the precise molecular interactions of E proteins during thymocyte selection.
  • Investigating potential therapeutic strategies targeting E protein function in T-cell related disorders may be warranted.
  • Understanding these roles could inform strategies for manipulating T-cell development in contexts like immunotherapy or autoimmunity.