title: Microfabricated platforms to modulate and monitor T cell synapse assembly.
abstract: Immunological synapse (IS) is a complex supramolecular structure formed at the interface between T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) during T cell antigen recognition. Microfabricated platforms have made great contributions to our understanding of the assembly dynamics and functional roles of the T cell synapses over the last decade. Here, we review three different types of microfabricated platforms developed to modulate and monitor the T cell synapse assembly. Firstly, multi-protein micropatterned surfaces presenting key ligands for T cell activation that can modulate the spatial distribution of receptors/signaling molecules in T cell synapses are described. Secondly, micropatterned supported bilayers that can modulate the dynamics of T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters are introduced. Lastly, T-APC pair arrays that allow for improved fluorescence live cell imaging are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering I-Bio, Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hong-Ryul
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Jong-Cheol
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Wonhwa
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Junsang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Doh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D057005:Bioengineering / Q000379:methods*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D054992:Immunological Synapses / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*