Recent Advances in alpha beta T Cell Biology: Wnt Signaling, Notch Signaling, Hedgehog Signaling and Their Translational Perspective

Engagement of bioactive ligands with cell surface receptors plays critical roles in the initiation and regulation of alpha beta T cell development, homeostasis and functions. In the past two decades, new subpopulations of alpha beta T cells have been discovered. In addition, the characterization of new ligand/receptor axes has led to a better understanding of alpha beta T cell biology. In the current review, the phenotypic and functional properties of alpha beta T cell subpopulations are described, as well as the effects of three novel and well-documented signal pathways-Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog signaling-on alpha beta T cell development and functions are summarized. These signal pathways are initiated by the ligation of corresponding ligands with respective receptors, and this subsequently exerts a positive or negative influence on alpha beta T cell ontogenesis and behavior. Thorough understanding of the components of these signal pathways might shed new light on the manipulation of alpha beta T cell biology so as to favor the advance of diagnosis and therapy of immune disorders such as infection, tumors and autoimmune diseases.