Wnt Signaling as Master Regulator of T-Lymphocyte Responses: Implications for Transplant Therapy

Transplantation. 2016 Dec;100(12):2584-2592. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000001393.

Abstract

T cell-mediated immune responses to the grafted tissues are the major reason for failed organ transplantation. The regulation of T cell responses is complex and involves major histocompatibility complex molecules on transplanted organs, cytokines, regulatory cells, and antigen-presenting cells. The evolutionary conserved Wnt signal transduction pathway has long been known for its importance in development of stem cells and immature T cells in the thymus. Recent evidence indicates the Wnt pathway as a master regulator of T cell immune responses via governing the balance between T helper 17/regulatory T cells and by regulating the formation of effector and memory cytotoxic CD8 T cell responses. In doing so, Wnt signals influence the outcome of immune responses in transplantation settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / cytology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoiesis
  • Humans
  • Lymphopoiesis
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex / immunology
  • Mice
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins