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Review
Nature Reviews Immunology 7, 599–609 (1 August 2007) | doi:10.1038/nri2131
Molecular mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell anergy
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Abstract
Directing both innate and adaptive immune responses against foreign pathogens with correct timing, location and specificity is a fundamental objective for the immune system. Full activation of CD4+ T cells requires the binding of peptide–MHC complexes coupled with accessory signals provided by the antigen-presenting cell. However, aberrant activation of the T-cell receptor alone in mature T cells can produce a long-lived state of functional unresponsiveness, known as anergy. Recent studies probing both immune signalling pathways and the ubiquitin–proteasome system have helped to refine and elaborate current models for the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell anergy. Controlling anergy induction and maintenance will be a key component in the future to mitigate unwanted T-cell activation that leads to autoimmune disease.
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