title: Formation and function of the immunological synapse.
abstract: Less than five years ago it was reported that cell surface molecules at the contact site between CD4 T cells and antigen-presenting cells redistribute into distinct patterns, forming an organized interface termed the immunological synapse. More recently, similar reorganized interfaces have been observed with CD8 T cells and NK cells, suggesting that they may be a common feature of lymphocyte activation. Although there has been some advance in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this redistribution, its purpose remains unclear and controversial.
authors.affiliation: Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK. anton.vandermerwe@path.ox.ac.uk
authors.forename: P Anton
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: van der Merwe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D015703:Antigens, CD; D016764:Cell Polarity; D006801:Humans; D051917:Leukosialin; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000502:physiology; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D051917:Leukosialin; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; C465014:SPN protein, human; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins