The CD1 antigen presenting system is evolutionary conserved and found in mammals, birds and reptiles. Humans express five isoforms, of which CD1a, CD1b and CD1c represent the group 1 CD1-molecules. They are recognized by T cells that express diverse αβ-T cell receptors. Investigation of the role of group 1 CD1 function has been hampered by the fact that CD1a, CD1b and CD1c are not expressed by mice. However, other animals, such as guinea pigs or cattle, serve as alternative models and have established basic aspects of CD1-dependent, antimicrobial immune functions. Group 1 CD1 transgenic mouse models became available about ten years ago. In a series of seminal studies these mouse models coined the mechanistical understanding of the role of the corresponding CD1 restricted T cell responses. This review gives a short overview of available animal studies and the lessons that have been and still can be learned.

CD1抗原呈递系统是进化保守的，发现于哺乳动物，鸟类和爬行动物中。人类表达五种同工型，其中CD1a，CD1b和CD1c代表第1组CD1分子。它们被表达多种αβ-T细胞受体的T细胞识别。小鼠不表达CD1a，CD1b和CD1c的事实妨碍了对第1组CD1功能的作用的研究。但是，其他动物（例如豚鼠或牛）可以作为替代模型，并且已经建立了CD1依赖性抗菌免疫功能的基本方面。第1组CD1转基因小鼠模型大约在十年前可用。在一系列开创性研究中，这些小鼠模型创造了对相应CD1限制性T细胞反应的作用的机械理解。