Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
16:10

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins

Published on: March 22, 2012

T3-T cell receptor (Ti) complex-independent activation of T cells by wheat germ agglutinin

A Yachie, D Hernandez, R M Blaese

    Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
    |May 1, 1987
    PubMed

    The T3-Ti complex appears to play a central role in the activation of T cells by antigens and mitogens. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is a unique lectin which inhibits T cell proliferation induced by mitogens, but it also induces marked IL 2 production by peripheral blood T cells. The pattern of responses induced by WGA suggests that this lectin may use a different mechanism of T cell activation other than the mechanism employed by the common T cell stimulants. We first investigated the production of IL 2 by Jurkat cells (E6-1) stimulated with WGA, before and after modulation of the surface T3-Ti complex. IL 2 production was markedly reduced after modulation of the T3 antigen from the cell surface when these cells were stimulated with PHA. In contrast, little change was observed in WGA-induced IL 2 production after modulation. Furthermore, we examined the effect of WGA on a T3-mutant of E6-1 cells (T3.1) which does not produce IL 2 in response to PHA or PHA plus PMA. WGA-stimulated T3.1 cells produced a significant amount of IL 2 with or without added PMA. In addition, a small but consistent rise in intracytoplasmic free calcium was observed when these cells were stimulated with WGA. These results demonstrate the presence of an alternative mechanism of T cell activation independent of the T3-Ti complex.

    More Related Videos

    Spatial and Temporal Control of T Cell Activation Using a Photoactivatable Agonist07:48

    Spatial and Temporal Control of T Cell Activation Using a Photoactivatable Agonist

    Published on: April 25, 2018

    Characterization of Thymus-dependent and Thymus-independent Immunoglobulin Isotype Responses in Mice Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay06:15

    Characterization of Thymus-dependent and Thymus-independent Immunoglobulin Isotype Responses in Mice Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay

    Published on: September 7, 2018

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    Antigen Presenting Cells01:22

    Antigen Presenting Cells

    The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
    T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
    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...
    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...
    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...
    B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

    B 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...