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Artificial Antigen Presenting Cell (aAPC) Mediated Activation and Expansion of Natural Killer T Cells
Published on: December 29, 2012
V beta specificity of superantigen TSST-1 plus CD28 costimulation without APCs
1Department of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
Immunological Investigations
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) may primarily provide CD28 costimulation for T cell activation by superantigens like toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). This study found TSST-1 specificity for T cells is consistent with or without APCs when CD28 costimulation is present.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular immunology
- T cell activation
Background:
- The role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in superantigen-mediated T cell activation is not fully understood.
- Recent studies suggest superantigens can directly activate T cells with CD28 costimulation, bypassing APCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the V beta expression of T cells activated by toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) with CD28 costimulation, in the absence of APCs.
- To determine if TSST-1 activates purified T cells with the same specificity in the presence of CD28 costimulation as it does with APCs.
Main Methods:
- Activation of purified T cells using TSST-1 and CD28 costimulation without APCs.
- Analysis of V beta expression on activated T cells to assess specificity.
Main Results:
- The specificity of TSST-1 for human V beta, with CD28 costimulation, was identical whether APCs were present or absent.
- A significant expansion of V beta 2 was observed, indicating consistent superantigen specificity.
Conclusions:
- The primary function of APCs in superantigen-mediated T cell activation may be to provide essential CD28 costimulation.
- Superantigen specificity is maintained even when APCs are absent, provided CD28 costimulation is supplied.
