CD8+ T suppressor cells and the ILT3 master switch

Hum Immunol. 2008 Nov;69(11):681-6. doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2008.08.286. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Abstract

Similar to helper and cytotoxic T cells, CD8(+) T suppressor cells (Ts) acquire antigen specificity via direct interaction with antigen-presenting cells (APC). They induce the upregulation of the inhibitory receptor immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)3 on professional and nonprofessional APC, rendering these cells tolerogenic and able to induce the differentiation of further waves of regulatory and suppressor T cells. This review sums up evidence that ILT3 is the centerpiece of CD8(+) Ts-driven suppression and acts as a master switch in the regulation of CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell responses to antigens in transplantation, autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Autoimmunity
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Transplantation Tolerance

Substances

  • LILRB4 protein, human
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Immunologic