A comprehensive review of the phenotype and function of antigen-specific immunoregulatory double negative T cells

作者：Hillhouse Erin E; Lesage Sylvie^*

来源：Journal of Autoimmunity, 2013, 40: 58-65.

DOI：10.1016/j.jaut.2012.07.010

• Immune tolerance
• Antigen-specific
• Regulatory T cells
• Non-transgenic mice
• TCR transgenic mice
• Human

Double negative T cells that lack the expression of both CD4 and CD8 T cell co-receptors exhibit a most unique antigen-specific immunoregulatory potential first described over a decade ago. Due to their immunoregulatoty function, this rare T cell population has been studied in both mice and humans for their contribution to peripheral tolerance and disease prevention. Consequently, double negative cells are gaining interest as a potential cellular therapeutic. Herein, we review the phenotype and function of double negative T cells with emphasis on their capacity to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance. While the phenotypic and functional similarities between double negative T cells identified in mouse and humans are highlighted, we also call attention to the need for a specific marker of double negative T cells, which will facilitate future studies in humans. Altogether, due to their unique properties, double negative T cells present a promising therapeutic potential in the context of various disease settings.

• 出版日期2013-2