Dual TCR T Cells: Identity Crisis or Multitaskers?

J Immunol. 2019 Feb 1;202(3):637-644. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800904.

Abstract

Dual TCR T cells are a common and natural product of TCR gene rearrangement and thymocyte development. As much as one third of the T cell population may have the capability to express two different TCR specificities on the cell surface. This discovery provoked a reconsideration of the classic model of thymic selection. Many potential roles for dual TCR T cells have since been hypothesized, including posing an autoimmune hazard, dominating alloreactive T cell responses, inducing allergy, and expanding the TCR repertoire to improve protective immunity. Yet, since the initial wave of publications following the discovery of dual TCR T cells, research in the area has slowed. In this study, we aim to provide a brief but comprehensive history of dual TCR T cell research, re-evaluate past observations in the context of current knowledge of the immune system, and identify key issues for future study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / cytology
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta