Induction of T cell anergy: integration of environmental cues and infectious tolerance

Anergy is a state of long-term hyporesponsiveness in T cells that is characterized by an active repression of TCR signaling and IL-2 expression [1]. Several forms of anergy have been described and the past few years have brought to light an increasing number of 'anergic factors' involved in the induction and the active maintenance of the state in lymphocytes. The role of mTOR and other related metabolic sensors and regulators has recently emerged as of particular importance in broadening our view of anergy-inducing signals. We will discuss the role of these molecules in regulating the choice between anergy and activation, a decision faced by all T cells undergoing TCR stimulation. We will then explore the relationship between the induction of anergy and the induction of regulatory T cells as well as the potential crosstalk responsible for the phenomenon of infectious tolerance.