Human Immunoregulation an Overview

Summary

Recent technological advances in cellular immunology have led to a greatly expanded knowledge of human immunoregulation. The antigen receptor on T-cells has been identified and was found to be associated with the T3 molecule. Activation of T-cells requires recognition of the antigen on the cell membrane of an antigen presenting cell, in association with an autologous HLA molecule. Two major subpopulations of T-cells, T4 and T8 cells, recognize HLA class II or I molecules respectively. T4 cells respond to soluble antigens and provide help for B-cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production. Most cytotoxic and suppressor cell activity is exerted by T8 cells. Several suppressor pathways have been described leading to negative feedback of immune responses. Lymphocytes and monocytes produce antigen-non-specific regulatory substances with positive or negative influences on lymphocyte function and which act in association with antigen specific regulatory mechanisms.

Finally, disorders of immune regulation are thought to be of pathogenic significance for several diseases, or at least to be involved in disease manifestations.