Control of autoimmunity by 'epitope theft'

Kranc, K., Taylor, A.M., Willcox, N. and Fugger, L. (2005) Control of autoimmunity by 'epitope theft'. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 11(1), pp. 1-4. (doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2004.11.002)

Abstract

We all possess T cells with autoaggressive potential. Knowledge of their regulation is crucial for elucidating pathogenetic pathways and designing effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. A novel mechanism of T-cell silencing – in an autoimmune model – has recently been identified and is termed ‘epitope theft’. The ‘thieves’ are naïve CD8+ T cells, which apparently ‘steal’ MHC-class-I–antigen complexes from antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The deprived APCs can no longer activate other potentially pathogenic naïve CD8+ T cells that are specific for the same epitope. This phenomenon is a previously unrecognized antigen-specific mode of protection against autoimmunity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kranc, Professor Kamil
• Authors: Kranc, K., Taylor, A.M., Willcox, N., and Fugger, L.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Trends in Molecular Medicine
• ISSN: 1471-4914