Cell-surface molecules involved in T-cell functions

A complete understanding of immune response mechanisms requires both identification of the cellular subpopulations participating in a given response and elucidation of the antigen-specific receptors employed by these cells. A great deal of recent study has been directed at the characterization of T-cell subpopulations and the receptor structures expressed by these cells. Perhaps the most powerful tools so far employed have been the serological reagents which distinguish cell-surface molecules on lymphoid populations. In this review, Jeffrey Bluestone and Richard Hodes summarize our understanding of the surface molecules expressed on functionally distinct T-cell subpopulations, and the role of these molecules in antigen-specific T-cell activation.