Redox regulation of T-cell receptor signaling

T-cell receptor (TCR) triggering by antigens activates a sophisticated intracellular signaling network leading to transcriptional activation, proliferation and differentiation of T cells. These events ultimately culminate in adaptive immune responses. Over recent years it has become evident that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in T-cell activation. It is now clear that ROS are involved in the regulation of T-cell mediated physiological and pathological processes. Upon TCR triggering, T cells produce oxidants, which originate from different cellular sources. In addition, within inflamed tissues, T cells are exposed to exocrine ROS produced by activated phagocytes or other ROS-producing cells. Oxidative modifications can have different effects on T-cell function. Indeed, they can stimulate T-cell activation but they can be also detrimental. These opposite effects of oxidation likely depend on different factors such as ROS concentration and source and also on the differentiation status of the T cells. Despite the well-stablished fact that ROS represent important modulators of T-cell activation, the precise molecular mechanisms of their action are far from clear. Here, we summarize the present knowledge on redox regulation of T-cell function with a particular emphasis on the redox regulation of TCR signaling.