Molecular mechanism of CD8+ T cell activation and differentiation / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

CD8+ T cells play an essential role in defending against viruses,intracellular bacteria,protozoal infections and clearance of tumors since almost all the nucleated cells express MHCⅠ molecule.Following antigen recognition,CD8+ T cells are activated and differentiated to different subsets of effector or memory cells,which could clear the pathogen and form long-term protection.Phenotypic markers,functional properties and anatomical locations are different among these CD8+ T cell subsets.They also show variation in surviving time,proliferation and effector functions when re-challenged with the pathogen or tumor.Multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional factors are involved in CD8+ T cells activation and differentiation,and will be discussed in this review.We will also briefly summary the clinical applications of T cells against tumor or pathogens.