T cell antigen recognition at the cell membrane.
T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) on the surface of T cells bind specifically to particular peptide bound major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs) presented on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). This interaction is a key event in T cell antigen recognition and activation. Most studies have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to measure the in vitro binding kinetics of TCR-pMHC interactions in solution using purified proteins. However, these measurements are not physiologically precise, as both TCRs and pMHCs are membrane-associated molecules which are regulated by their cellular environments. Recently, single-molecule förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and single-molecule mechanical assays were used to measure the in situ binding kinetics of TCR-pMHC interactions on the surface of live T cells. These studies have provided exciting insights into the biochemical basis of T cell antigen recognition and suggest that TCRs serially engage with a small number of antigens with very fast kinetics in order to maximize TCR signaling and sensitivity.
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. junhuanggt@gmail.com
Jun
J
Huang
Christina
C
Meyer
Cheng
C
Zhu
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D011485:Protein Binding; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D017252:CD3 Complex; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell