Preferred Label : T Helper Cell Surface Molecule Pathway;
NCIt related terms : T Helper Cell Surface Molecules;
Alternative definition : BIOCARTA: T helper cells play an essential role coordinating the activities of other
parts of the immune system, including B cells, cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and
other cells. The crucial nature of helper T cells in the normal immune response is
demonstrated by the severe immune deficiency associated with the HIV-induced helper
T cell depletion. To communicate with other cells, helper T cells express a range
of cell surface molecules, a few of which are illustrated in this figure. Like all
T cells, helper T cells express T cell receptors complexed with the CD3 proteins that
are responsible for the recognition and response of the cell to specific antigens
(see T Cell Receptor Signaling Pathway). CD4 is commonly used as a marker for helper
T cells, in contrast to cytotoxic T cells, which express CD8. CD4 is used by HIV to
gain cell entry, as well as the CCR5 chemokine receptor. Thy1 provides a more general
cell surface antigen used to identify both T helper and cytotoxic T cells. CD28 provides
a costimulatory signal in association with the activation of the T cell receptor complex
by an antigen presenting cell that is required for the T cell to become activated
(see The Co-Stimulatory Signal During T-cell Activation pathway). Adhesion molecules
on the surface of T cells assist in their interaction with other cells. LFA-1 binds
to its ligand ICAM-1 in a variety of cells and T cells themselves also express ICAM-1.
The CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase dephosphorylates factors in the pathways involved
in B cells and T cells activation. Although CD45 is required for T cell receptor activation,
exclusion of CD45 from the local membrane region near the T cell receptor appears
important for efficient T cell activation. Helper T cells can be subdivided further
into Th1 and Th2 cells, distinguished by their response to different antigens, differing
cytokine expression and expression of different chemokine receptors (see Selective
expression of chemokine receptors during T-cell polarization) CD2 is required for
efficient helper T cell maturation and stimulates their differentiation, but does
not select for a specific increase in Th1 or Th2 populations of cells. (This definition
may be outdated - see the DesignNote.);
NCIt note : The BIOCARTA Definition (ALT_DEFINITION) for this pathway concept was provided by
BioCarta. This property was not created by, nor is it maintained by the NCI Thesaurus
staff. Additionally, BioCarta is no longer updating its pathway data; thus, the BIOCARTA
Definition might be outdated or inaccurate. Please see the Terms and Conditions for
Use at http://www.biocarta.com/.;
Biocarta ID : h_thelperPathway;
Origin ID : C91306;
UMLS CUI : C2984147;
Semantic type(s)
- has_gene_product_element
- pathway_has_gene_element
