Transmembrane signals in the activation of T lymphocytes by mitogenic antigens

Besides being activated through the T-cell receptor in response to antigen presented in the context of self MHC molecules, T lymphocytes can also be activated by mitogens such as plant lectins. In this case two separate signals — one from the mitogen the other from interleukin 2 — are required to complete the cell cycle. Here, John Hadden details the biochemical events associated with mitogenic activation and emphasizes the importance of calcium and arachidonic acid metabolism in these processes.