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Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T 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...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T 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...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice
07:36

Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice

Published on: June 12, 2021

T cell exhaustion.

E John Wherry1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. wherry@mail.med.upenn.edu

Nature Immunology
|July 9, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

T cell exhaustion, a state of dysfunction seen in chronic infections and cancer, impairs the immune response. Understanding its molecular causes offers new therapeutic avenues for controlling disease.

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Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells
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Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice
07:36

Tumor Transplantation for Assessing the Dynamics of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells in Mice

Published on: June 12, 2021

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells
06:07

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Published on: March 28, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • T cell exhaustion is a key mechanism of immune dysfunction during chronic infections and cancer.
  • It is characterized by impaired T cell effector function and distinct transcriptional profiles.
  • This state hinders effective control of pathogens and tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a clearer understanding of the functional and phenotypic profile of exhausted T cells.
  • To define T cell exhaustion in various experimental and clinical contexts.
  • To explore the molecular pathways underlying T cell exhaustion.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of T cell dysfunction.
  • Analysis of inhibitory receptor expression.
  • Transcriptional profiling of T cells.

Main Results:

  • Emerging data provide a detailed profile of exhausted T cells.
  • T cell exhaustion is increasingly defined across diverse settings.
  • Molecular insights into exhaustion are becoming clearer.

Conclusions:

  • Advances in understanding T cell exhaustion are clarifying its causes.
  • This improved understanding suggests potential therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting T cell exhaustion may enhance immune control in disease.