SLAM and its role in T cell activation and Th cell responses

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Abstract
Following the initial events of T cell activation, triggered by binding of specific peptide‐MHC complex to the TCR for antigen and engagement of costimulatory molecules, a number of activation molecules are expressed on the cell surface. Many of these molecules regulate T cell function. T‐T cell interactions and the interaction of T cells with other cells. One such molecule is SLAM, a multifunctional 70 kDa glycoprotein member of the Ig superfamily with multiple isoforms. SLAM is rapidly induced on natve T cells and B cells following activation. Engagement of SLAM by a specific antibody (mAb A12) results in IL‐2‐independent T cell expansion and induction/up‐regulation of IFN‐γ by activated T cells, including Th2 cells. SLAM was found to be a high‐affinity self‐ligand mediating molecular and cellular homophilic interactions. In this review we discuss SLAM as a receptor involved in T cell expansion and in directing immune responses to a Th0‐Th 1 pathway.