CD46 in innate and adaptive immunity: an update

J. Cardone, G. Le Friec, C. Kemper

    Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

    64 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    P>CD46 was discovered in 1986 during a search for novel C3b-binding proteins. CD46 is expressed ubiquitously and functions as a co-factor in the factor I-mediated proteolytic cleavage of C3b and C4b. Its vital role in preventing complement deposition on host tissue is underpinned by the fact that deficiency of CD46 is a predisposing factor for numerous disease conditions arising from complement-mediated 'self-attack'. However, in the last 10 years, it has become apparent that CD46 is also heavily involved in a new and somewhat surprising functional aspect of the complement system: the down-modulation of adaptive T helper type 1 (Th1) immune responses by regulating the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma versus interleukin (IL)-10 within these cells. Specifically, this latter function of CD46 is a tantalizing discovery - it may not only have delivered the explanation as to why so many pathogens use and abuse CD46 as cell entry receptor but clearly has important clinical implications for the better understanding of Th1-mediated disease states and novel therapeutic approaches for their amelioration. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge about CD46 and its expanding roles in the immune system.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)301 - 311
    Number of pages11
    JournalClinical and Experimental Immunology
    Volume164
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'CD46 in innate and adaptive immunity: an update'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this