Abstract
Dual TCR T cells are a common and natural product of TCR gene rearrangement and thymocyte development. As much as one third of the T cell population may have the capability to express two different TCR specificities on the cell surface. This discovery provoked a reconsideration of the classic model of thymic selection. Many potential roles for dual TCR T cells have since been hypothesized, including posing an autoimmune hazard, dominating alloreactive T cell responses, inducing allergy, and expanding the TCR repertoire to improve protective immunity. Yet, since the initial wave of publications following the discovery of dual TCR T cells, research in the area has slowed. In this study, we aim to provide a brief but comprehensive history of dual TCR T cell research, re-evaluate past observations in the context of current knowledge of the immune system, and identify key issues for future study.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 637-644 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Immunology |
Volume | 202 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by a University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics grant.
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2019 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Review
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Journal Article