title: Distinct integrin-dependent signals define requirements for lytic granule convergence and polarization in natural killer cells.
abstract: Lytic granules in natural killer (NK) cells represent a dangerous cargo that is targeted for secretion to destroy diseased cells. The appropriate management of these organelles enables the mounting of a precise and valuable host defense. The process of NK cell adhesion to a target cell through engagement of the integrin LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1) promotes lytic granule organization through complex cellular mechanics and a signaling pathway characterized by Zhang et al. in this issue of Science Signaling. A set of signaling molecules was defined for their ability to promote the polarization of NK cell lytic granules and the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) toward the interface with a target cell. A subset of these signaling molecules was also required for the convergence of lytic granules on the MTOC.
authors.affiliation: Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Hsiang-Ting
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.affiliation: Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. orange@bcm.edu.
authors.forename: Jordan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Orange
mesh_terms: D018821:CD18 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000502:physiology*; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018821:CD18 Antigens