How T cells recognize lipids as antigens. (April 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Libero, Gennaro
• Is Part Of: Clinical lipidology. Volume 4:Number 2(2009)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2009-04
• Subjects: autoimmunity -- CD1 -- glycosphingolipids -- infection -- lipid antigens -- metabolism -- T cells -- traffic -- vaccines; Lipids -- Periodicals; 616.3997
• DOI: 10.2217/clp.09.10
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-4299

Abstract

T lymphocytes recognize lipid antigens as complexes formed by lipids with CD1 antigen-presenting molecules. These complexes are formed within antigen-presenting cells after lipid internalization and their stability contributes to lipid immunogenicity. Immunogenic lipids are amphiphatic structures that insert the hydrophobic tails within the antigen-binding pockets of CD1 molecules and leave their hydrophilic moieties exposed for interaction with T-cell receptors. Minimal variations in both parts influence T-cell recognition, which demonstrates a high grade of specificity. Presentation of lipid antigens requires their efficient internalization, traffic to endosomal compartments where CD1 molecules are encountered, extraction from the membrane, and insertion into CD1 lipid-binding pockets. This article reviews how these events occur and how they are regulated.