Oligomeric antigen receptors: a new view on signaling for the selection oflymphocytes

Antigen receptors on lymphocytes utilize different signaling modes to contr ol the positive and negative selection of lymphocytes. In addition, these r eceptors have to detect the amount and affinity of the antigen and set deli cate threshold values for the activation of lymphocytes. It is suggested th at the antigen receptors on a and T-cells form oligomeric complexes, inside of which, signals can be processed and amplified in a manner that might ex plain the different signaling outputs of these receptors.