A dynamic view of the immunological synapse.
T cell activation requires interactions of T cell antigen receptors (TCR) and peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHCp) in an adhesive junction between the T cell and antigen-presenting cell. Stable junctions with bull's eye supramolecular activation clusters (SMACs) have been defined as immunological synapses (IS). These structures maintain T cell-APC interaction and allow directed secretion. T cells can also be activated by asymmetric hemi-synapses (HS) that allow migration during signal integration. IS and HS operate in different stages of T cell priming. Optimal effector functions may also depend upon cyclical use of IS and HS.
Dustin
Michael L
ML
Program in Molecular Pathogenesis, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, and Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, 540 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA. dustin@saturn.med.nyu.edu
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007152:Immunologic Capping; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D036641:Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism