A novel molecular interaction for the adhesion of follicular CD4 T cells to follicular DC

KS Boles, W Vermi, F Facchetti, A Fuchs… - European journal of …, 2009 - Wiley Online Library
KS Boles, W Vermi, F Facchetti, A Fuchs, TJ Wilson, TG Diacovo, M Cella, M Colonna
European journal of immunology, 2009Wiley Online Library
Nectins and Nectin‐like molecules (Necl) play a critical role in cell polarity within epithelia
and in the nervous and reproductive systems. Recently, immune receptors specific for
Nectins/Necl have been described. Since the expression and distribution of Nectins/Necl is
often subverted during tumorigenesis, it has been suggested that the immune system may
use these receptors to recognize and eliminate tumors. Here we describe a novel
immunoreceptor, Washington University Cell Adhesion Molecule, which is expressed on …
Abstract
Nectins and Nectin‐like molecules (Necl) play a critical role in cell polarity within epithelia and in the nervous and reproductive systems. Recently, immune receptors specific for Nectins/Necl have been described. Since the expression and distribution of Nectins/Necl is often subverted during tumorigenesis, it has been suggested that the immune system may use these receptors to recognize and eliminate tumors. Here we describe a novel immunoreceptor, Washington University Cell Adhesion Molecule, which is expressed on human follicular B helper T cells (TFH) and binds a Nectin/Necl family member, the poliovirus receptor (PVR), under both static and flow conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PVR is abundantly expressed by follicular DC (FDC) within the germinal center. These results reveal a novel molecular interaction that mediates adhesion of TFH to FDC and provide the first evidence that immune receptors for Nectins/Necl may be involved the generation of T cell‐dependent antibody responses.
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