Abstract
Occupancy of the antigen receptor is not sufficient for activation of naïve T cells--additional co-stimulatory signals are required that can be provided only by 'professional' antigen-presenting cells. This two-signal model for T cell activation has been thought to provide a mechanism for the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Work over the past six years has demonstrated that the relevant co-stimulatory receptor on T cells is the molecule CD28. Recent data shows that the CD28 homologue CTLA-4 plays a role in negative regulation of T cell responses. Here we suggest that CTLA-4 may also serve as an attenuator of T cell-activating signals, raising the threshold of stimulation required to obtain full activation. The inhibitory signals mediated by CTLA-4 may provide an additional mechanism for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 92-98; discussion 98-98102, 186-190 |
Journal | Novartis Foundation symposium |
Volume | 215 |
State | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine