Notch controls the magnitude of T helper cell responses by promoting cellular longevity.

ABSTRACT: Generation of effective immune responses requires expansion of rare antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells. The magnitude of the responding population is ultimately determined by proliferation and survival. Both processes are tightly controlled to limit responses to innocuous antigens. Sustained expansion occurs only when innate immune sensors are activated by microbial stimuli or by adjuvants, which has important implications for vaccination. The molecular identity of the signals controlling sustained T-cell responses is not fully clear. Here, we describe a prominent role for the Notch pathway in this process. Coactivation of Notch allows accumulation of far greater numbers of activated CD4(+) T cells than stimulation via T-cell receptor and classic costimulation alone. Notch does not overtly af

SUBMITTER: Helbig C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3384214 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature