Abstract:

Activated T cells playa central role in the rejection of histo incompatible organ allografts. Studies of transmembrane signaling requirements ofT cells, by identifying molecular and cellular mechanisms ofT-cell activation, can lead to rational therapeutic strategies for the regulation of the anti-allograft response. A clear consensus exists that the primary signal for T-cell activation is generated as a consequence of the interactions among the T-cell receptor for antigen (TCR)I cluster designation 3 (CD3) complex and the antigenic peptide presented in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins expressed on the surface of the antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The TCR/CD3-dependent signaling is necessary but insufficient in itself to fully activate normal human primary (quiescent) T cells, and additional costimulatory signals are required for full activatiori.

Authors:

Timothy Gayowski, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C.), F.A.C.S; Ignazio R. Marino, M.D., F.A.C.S.; Nina Singh, M.D.,; Howard R. Doyle, M.D.; Marilyn M. Wagener, M.P.H.; Satoru Todo, M.D.; John J. Fung, M.D., Ph.D.; Thomas E. Starzl, M.D., Ph.D.; Pittsburgh Transplantation Institute and the Vetrans Administration Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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