Mechanisms of chemokine and antigen-dependent T-lymphocyte navigation

Stephen G Ward, Federica M Marelli-Berg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

T-lymphocyte trafficking is targeted to specific organs by selective molecular interactions depending on their differentiation and functional properties. Specific chemokine receptors have been associated with organ-specific trafficking of memory and effector T-cells, as well as the recirculation of naive T-cells to secondary lymphoid organs. In addition to the acquisition of tissue-selective integrins and chemokine receptors, an additional level of specificity for T-cell trafficking into the tissue is provide by specific recognition of antigen displayed by the endothelium involving the TCRs (T-cell antigen receptors) and co-stimulatory receptors. Activation of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) is a robust signalling event shared by most chemokine receptors as well as the TCR and co-stimulatory receptors, contributing to several aspects of T-lymphocyte homing as well as actin reorganization and other components of the general migratory machinery. Accordingly, inhibition of PI3K has been considered seriously as a potential therapeutic strategy by which to combat various T-lymphocyte-dependent pathologies, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as to prevent transplant rejection. However, there is substantial evidence for PI3K-independent mechanisms that facilitate T-lymphocyte migration. In this regard, several other signalling-pathway components, including small GTPases, PLC (phospholipase C) and PKC (protein kinase C) isoforms, have also been implicated in T-lymphocyte migration in response to chemokine stimulation. The present review will therefore examine the PI3K-dependent and -independent signal-transduction pathways involved in T-cell migration during distinct modes of T-cell trafficking in response to either chemokines or the TCR and co-stimulatory molecules.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-27
Number of pages15
JournalBiochemical Journal
Volume418
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)
  • migration
  • chemokine
  • phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)
  • antigen
  • lymphocyte

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