Cytoskeletal polarization and redistribution of cell-surface molecules during T cell antigen recognition.
T cell antigen recognition is accompanied by cytoskeletal polarization towards the APC and large-scale redistribution of cell surface molecules into 'supramolecular activation clusters' (SMACs), forming an organized contact interface termed the 'immunological synapse' (IS). Molecules are arranged in the IS in a micrometer scale bull's eye pattern with a central accumulation of TCR/peptide-MHC (the cSMAC) surrounded by a peripheral ring of adhesion molecules (the pSMAC). We propose that segregation of cell surface molecules on a much smaller scale initiates TCR triggering, which drives the formation of the IS by active transport processes. IS formation may function as a checkpoint for full T cell activation, integrating information on the presence and quality of TCR ligands and the nature and activation state of the APC.
Anton van der Merwe
P
P
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, UK.
Davis
S J
SJ
Shaw
A S
AS
Dustin
M L
ML
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell