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. 2011 Dec;11(6):336-41.
doi: 10.4110/in.2011.11.6.336. Epub 2011 Dec 31.

T cell receptor signaling that regulates the development of intrathymic natural regulatory T cells

Ki-Duk Song  1 , Sujin Hwang, Cheol-Heui Yun
Affiliations

T cell receptor signaling that regulates the development of intrathymic natural regulatory T cells

Ki-Duk Song et al. Immune Netw. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling plays a critical role in T cell development, survival and differentiation. In the thymus, quantitative and/or qualitative differences in TCR signaling determine the fate of developing thymocytes and lead to positive and negative selection. Recently, it has been suggested that self-reactive T cells, escape from negative selection, should be suppressed in the periphery by regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing Foxp3 transcription factor. Foxp3 is a master factor that is critical for not only development and survival but also suppressive activity of Treg. However, signals that determine Treg fate are not completely understood. The availability of mutant mice which harbor mutations in TCR signaling mediators will certainly allow to delineate signaling events that control intrathymic (natural) Treg (nTreg) development. Thus, we summarize the recent progress on the role of TCR signaling cascade components in nTreg development from the studies with murine model.

Keywords: Intrathymic selection; T cell receptor; nTreg.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial conflict of interest.

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