The surface molecules on this subset of cells which are critical for antigen presentation are currently being defined. Significant advancements have been made toward characterization of the molecular changes that antigen presenting cells are undergoing upon exposure to mycobacterial antigens. Rapid upregulation of several cellular proteins has been found. The early induction of PCNA was regulated at a post-transcriptional level and was restricted to T cells. The signaling pathway involved in the induction of PCNA is currently being studied.
Preliminary results indicate that phosphotyrosine phosphatases and kinases are both involved.
Unlike activation of T cells through the T cell receptor, no calcium flux or PKC activation is involved in the induction of PCNA by mycobacteria. The cellular requirements and the antigenetic specificity of the observed phenomenon are currently being studied. Expression of perforin and serine esterases by human gamma-theta T cells. Potential role gamma-theta T cells in autoimmune diseases. Dual antigenic recognition by cloned human gamma-theta T cells.