Potential role of major histocompatibility complex class II peptides in regulatory tolerance to vascularized grafts

Transplantation. 2004 Jan 15;77(1 Suppl):S35-7. doi: 10.1097/01.TP.0000106472.91343.8D.

Abstract

The inactivation of persisting T lymphocytes reactive to self- and non-self-antigens is a major arm of operational immune tolerance in mammals. Silencing of such T cells proceeds mostly by means of suppression, a process that is mediated by regulatory T-cell subsets and especially by CD4(+)CD(25high) regulatory T cells (Treg). Although Treg activation and ensuing suppressive activity appear to be major histocompatibility complex class II dependent, the fine specificity of Treg T-cell receptors has not yet been elucidated. Recent data from the author's laboratory on a class II gene therapy induction of tolerance to allogeneic kidney grafts suggest that class II peptides are involved as generic signals for Treg activation. A brief compilation of results that would support this hypothesis is discussed in the present article.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Peptide Fragments / physiology
  • Renal Circulation*
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Transplantation Tolerance / physiology*

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Peptide Fragments