Abstract
T-cell activation and response to antigen follows presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-compatible antigen-presenting cells (APC). Activation requires a number of separate but interrelated receptor-ligand interactions between the T cell and APC. Some of these interactions can be mimicked by other molecules, such as lectins, antibodies, or synthetic peptides. We discuss the potential use of conjugates to activate T cells, and describe a new class of heteroconjugates for stimulation or modulation of antigen-specific T-cell activity. These heteroconjugates contain an antigen-specific epitope coupled to a T-cell ligand, which replaces some functions of the APC. Such heteroconjugates would bind and supply two signals to T cells, one through the antigen-recognition site of the T-cell receptor and the other through receptors required for activation. Natural heteroconjugates of this type have been identified, for example in a small peptide derived from a Mycobacterium leprae protein.1 Coupling of these two signaling moieties into a single soluble molecule may allow antigen-specific T-cell activation without the need for processing and presentation by antigen-presenting cells and without MHC restriction. Conjugates of this type may be useful for the study of T-cell activation, the development of new antigen-specific diagnostic materials and immunomodulators, and possibly a new class of vaccines.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 91-102 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Vaccine Research |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1996 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Microbiology (medical)