Recognition of self antigens by skin-derived T cells with invariant γδ antigen receptors

WL Havran, YH Chien, JP Allison - Science, 1991 - science.org
WL Havran, YH Chien, JP Allison
Science, 1991science.org
Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal T cells (dECs) express invariant γδ antigen receptors and are
found in intimate contact with keratinocytes in murine epidermis—thus raising the possibility
that keratinocytes express a ligand for the antigen receptor of these T cells. Thy-1+ dECs
were stimulated to produce lymphokines by interaction with keratinocytes in vitro. This
stimulation was mediated through the dEC antigen receptor and did not appear to be
restricted by the major histocompatibility complex. Thus, dECs can recognize self antigens …
Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal T cells (dECs) express invariant γδ antigen receptors and are found in intimate contact with keratinocytes in murine epidermis—thus raising the possibility that keratinocytes express a ligand for the antigen receptor of these T cells. Thy-1+ dECs were stimulated to produce lymphokines by interaction with keratinocytes in vitro. This stimulation was mediated through the dEC antigen receptor and did not appear to be restricted by the major histocompatibility complex. Thus, dECs can recognize self antigens and may participate in immune surveillance for cellular damage rather than for foreign antigens.
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