Year: 2015
Type: editorial
Abstract: Although historically overshadowed by CD4+ T cells, and more recently by B cells, a number of lines of evidence point toward a potentially vital role of CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. CD8+ T cells outnumber CD4+ in the parenchyma of MS lesions1 and are abundant at the leading edge in chronic active lesions.2 Some studies have detected increased frequencies of myelin-specific CD8+ T cells in patients with MS.3,4 Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A3 (A*0301), which encodes one of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins used for antigen recognition by CD8+ T cells, doubles the risk of MS even in the absence of HLA-DR2 (DRB*1501, DQB*0602) genes that encode MHC II proteins used for antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells.5 Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that myelin-specific CD8+ T cells can induce an MS-like disease in HLA-A3 transgenic6 and wild-type mice.7 If antigen-specific CD8+ T cells participate in MS pathogenesis, one might ask whether certain ones expand selectively and whether they persist.
Authors: Joseph J. Sabatino, Scott S. Zamvil
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W1949851744