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Failure of a T cell regulator: CD6 contributes to the aggravation of autoimmune inflammation

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 16, pages 733–734 (2019)Cite this article

The scavenger-like lymphocyte receptor CD6 is a regulator of T cell functions, and is associated with autoimmune diseases. However, the specific contribution of CD6 to autoimmunity remains unknown. Under physiological conditions, CD6 associates with the T cell antigen receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex at the center of the immunological synapse and regulates T cell responses through activation-dependent recruitment of the positive regulator SLP-76 and other downstream signaling effectors.1,2 In recent years, immune-activating and immune-inhibiting functions of CD6 have been reported, indicating a dual role of CD6 in T cell activation.1 It has been postulated that the strength of TCR activation determines whether CD6 enhances or inhibits TCR signaling.1 This possible counter-regulatory role of CD6 may contribute to the control of T cell responses.

CD6 contributes to several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.4,5,6 Consuegra-Fernández et al.3 provide additional evidence for the association of CD6 with psoriasis. Interestingly, the authors identified a correlation between CD6 genotype and disease activity, but no correlation between CD6 and susceptibility to the development of psoriasis. CD6 may, therefore, be involved in the aggravation of psoriasis but not in disease onset. Similarly, CD6-deficient mice are not protected from developing psoriasis-like lesions but exhibit a milder disease course. Under physiological conditions, CD6 is believed to have a regulatory role in T cell activation.2 In autoimmune diseases, disruption of this regulatory role could contribute to disease aggravation.

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  1. Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50937, Germany

    Anja Meyer & David M. Kofler

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  1. Anja Meyer
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Correspondence to David M. Kofler.

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Meyer, A., Kofler, D.M. Failure of a T cell regulator: CD6 contributes to the aggravation of autoimmune inflammation. Cell Mol Immunol 16, 733–734 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41423-018-0089-9

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