Immunology 5 (Kyle) Flashcards
What is a T cell ?
A T cell is a lymphocyte that is produced in the bone marrow, migrates to and matures in the Thymus, and differentiates into cells that either kill target cells that bear their cognate peptide: MHC Class 1 complex or supply help to other immune cells via production of cytokines.
How do T cells recognize a specific antigen?
T cells recognize a specific antigen through their T cell receptors.
Where does a T cell come from ?
Common Lymphoid Precursor and bears a TCR
Do T cell s secrete immunoglobulin molecules?
No
Describe the structure of AB T Cells
Most T cells bear a T cell receptor (TCR) that is composed of an A and a B chain
What do T cells do ?
Kill cells infected with viral or other intracellular pathogens
Supply helper signals which activate B cells and macrophages.
What are the 4 regions of a T cell receptor?
Variable region which binds the Ab
Constant Region
Transmembrane Region
Cytoplasmic Tail
What is an important surface marker on T cells that was mentioned in lecture.
What does it do?
CD3 is the signal transduction unit for TCR
Initiate signaling cascade upon antigen-recognition through T cell receptors
What are the Co receptors for the T cell receptor?
CD4 and CD8.
What does CD4 do ?
Has high affinity for MHC Class 2 molecules
What does CD8 do ?
Has high affinity for MHC Class 1 molecules
What binds to B7 molecules on antigen presenting cells ?
CD 28
What does the FAS Ligand do ?
Can bind to Fas expressed on the surface of target cells initiating Fas-mediated apoptosis
What do adhesion molecules do ?
Adhesion molecules initiate interactions between T cells and APC or target cells
What are the two regions of the Thymus ?
The Cortex and Medulla
What happens in the subcapsular region of the thymus (Think T Cell maturation)
T cells proliferate and differentiate to double positive CD3+ Thymocytes
What are the first chains to undergo rearrangement in the TCR variable region ?
Beta, Gamma, and Delta
If gamma and delta chain rearrangement are successful before beta chain rearrangement, what will the T cell be ?
Gamma, Delta T-Cell
What are the two distinct populations of T cells?
Gamma Delta T Cells and Alpha Beta T Cells.
What are the two subpopulations of Alpha Beta T cells ?
CD4+ and CD8+
What are CD4 and CD8 ?
Co receptors for the TCR that facilitates the interaction of TCR with the MHC complex on the antigen presenting cell
Can mature Alpha Beta T cells express CD4 and CD8 ?
They express one or the other but not both.
What cells express CD4+
Helper T cells
What does CD4 bind ?
CD4 binds to MHC Class 2 molecules.