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Internalization of human T lymphocyte receptors
European Journal of Immunology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Monoclonal antibody OKT3 binding to the T3 receptor triggers rapid internalization, a process also observed for T11 and T4 receptors. This suggests a common pathway for T lymphocyte receptor down-regulation and potential ligand entry.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting human T lymphocyte receptors are crucial for understanding T cell subsets and receptor biochemistry.
- The OKT3 antibody, recognizing the T3 (CD3) receptor, activates immune responses and is used therapeutically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of interaction between the OKT3 antibody and the T3 receptor.
- To explore the down-regulation pathway of T lymphocyte surface receptors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies, including OKT3, to study T lymphocyte receptors (T3/CD3, T11/CD2, T4/CD4).
- Employed electron microscopy to visualize the internalization of antibody-receptor complexes.
- Conducted parallel experiments on different T lymphocyte receptor types.
Main Results:
- Binding of OKT3 to the T3 receptor resulted in rapid disappearance of the complex from the cell surface.
- Electron microscopy confirmed that this down-regulation is mediated by internalization of the OKT3-T3 complex.
- Similar internalization mechanisms were observed for T11 (CD2) and T4 (CD4) receptors.
Conclusions:
- T3, T11, and T4 receptors exhibit behavior analogous to well-characterized hormonal and viral receptors.
- The findings provide insights into the metabolic pathways of surface receptors.
- Suggests a potential route for intracellular penetration of ligands, such as HTLV-III/LAV, into human T lymphocytes.