Molecular insights into T cell development, activation and signal transduction (Review)

T cell modulation plays a fundamental role to adaptive and innate immunity, which aids the recognition and defense against pathogens while also maintaining self-tolerance. Numerous molecular pathways participate in this process including thymic selection, T cell receptor and antigen-presenting cells cross linkage, along with co-stimulatory signaling cascades. The present review demonstrates a holistic analysis of various classic and novel mechanisms that govern T cell regulation and emerging therapeutic applications. Recent advancements have introduced novel roles in the journey of T cell modulation that can have a pivotal impact on the understanding of this process; for example, phase separation of the linker for activation of T cells, and the newer application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. While discoveries of proximal and distal signal transduction pathways have contributed to the comprehension of T cell anergy, cytokine-mediated differentiation and the delicate balance between immune activation and tolerance, there are still unresolved debates about further molecular mechanisms. There are also still questions about the long-term side effects of CAR-T cell therapy. Deeper research and analysis are required to further aid the understanding and use of this novel therapeutic approach.