The immunological synapse as a novel therapeutic target.
The onset of adaptive immune responses includes the presentation of foreign antigenic peptides to T-cells, and the formation of a T-cell-antigen-presenting cell interface termed the immunological synapse (IS). Although the generation of a mature IS is thought to be the hallmark of T-cell activation, new evidence suggests that microclusters ofat signaling molecules at the periphery of the IS are responsible for initiating and maintaining T-cell activation while the core of the IS provides a platform for signal downregulation. In this context, costimulatory molecules and self-peptides contribute to sustain the signaling required for T-lymphocyte differentiation into effector cells. This review discusses these aspects in the identification of novel candidates for therapeutic modulation of immune responses.
Teft
Wendy A
WA
Robarts Research Institute, PO Box 5015, 100 Perth Drive, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada.
Madrenas
Joaquin
J
D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D015195:Drug Design; D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods
D018984:Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell