Figure 2: Overview of mechanisms and potential molecular targets to alter the function of self- and tumor-antigen reactive T cells. T cell response to self-antigen during autoimmunity or to tumor-antigen in immunotherapy could be inhibited or augmented via manipulating similar mechanisms. These include receptors that positively or negatively regulate T cell function, cytokines and their receptors, but also intracellular signaling pathways. The figure illustrates such possible intervention points.