High-throughput T cell receptor sequencing reveals differential immune repertoires in autoimmune thyroid diseases

Immune Repertoires in Various Dermatologic and Autoimmune Diseases

The immune repertoire (IR) is a term that defines the combined unique genetic rearrangements of antigen receptors expressed by B and T lymphocytes. The IR determines the ability of the immune system to identify and respond to foreign antigens while preserving tolerance to host antigens. When immune tolerance is disrupted, development of autoimmune diseases can occur due to the attack of self-antigens. Recent technical advances in immune profiling allowed identification of common patterns and shared antigen-binding sequences unique to diverse array of diseases. However, there is no current literature to date evaluates IR findings in autoimmune and skin inflammatory conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the past and current research findings of IR in various autoimmune and dermatologic conditions. Enriching our understanding of IRs in these conditions is critical for understanding the pathophysiology behind autoimmune skin disease onset and progression. Furthermore, understanding B-cell and T-cell IR will help devise therapeutic treatments in the hopes of restoring immune tolerance and preventing disease onset and progression.

T cell receptor signaling in the differentiation and plasticity of CD4+ T cells

CD4⁺ T cells are critical components of the adaptive immune system. The T cell receptor (TCR) and co-receptor signaling cascades shape the phenotype and functions of CD4⁺ T cells. TCR signaling plays a crucial role in T cell development, antigen recognition, activation, and differentiation upon recognition of foreign- or auto-antigens. In specific autoimmune conditions, altered TCR repertoire is reported and can predispose autoimmunity with organ-specific inflammation and tissue damage. TCR signaling modulates various signaling cascades and regulates epigenetic and transcriptional regulation during homeostasis and disease conditions. Understanding the mechanism by which coreceptors and cytokine signals control the magnitude of TCR signal amplification will aid in developing therapeutic strategies to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the role of the TCR signaling cascade and its components in the activation, differentiation, and plasticity of various CD4⁺ T cell subsets.