Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:13
Rapid Quantification of Mitogen-induced Blastogenesis in T Lymphocytes for Identifying Immunomodulatory Drugs
Published on: December 27, 2016
Lymphocyte proliferation in immune-mediated diseases.
Shrimati Datta1, Nora Sarvetnick
1Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
Trends in Immunology
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Defects in T cell numbers (lymphopenia) trigger homeostatic proliferation. This process can harmfully promote autoimmunity or beneficially boost anti-tumor immunity, depending on various regulatory factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Homeostasis
Background:
- T cell lymphopenia, a decrease in lymphocyte numbers, disrupts immune homeostasis.
- Homeostatic proliferation is a compensatory mechanism to restore T cell numbers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of homeostatic proliferation in autoimmunity and tumor immunity.
- To discuss the regulatory mechanisms controlling homeostatic proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on T cell lymphopenia and homeostatic proliferation.
- Analysis of findings from animal models and human studies.
Main Results:
- Homeostatic proliferation can expand autoreactive T cells, contributing to autoimmunity.
- Conversely, it can enhance anti-tumor immunity by accumulating tumor-specific T cells.
Conclusions:
- The outcome of homeostatic proliferation is context-dependent, with implications for both disease and therapy.
- Cytokines and regulatory T cells play critical roles in modulating homeostatic proliferation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
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...
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...