title: Mechanical Communication at the Immunological Synapse.
abstract: T and B lymphocytes communicate by forming immunological synapses with antigen-presenting target cells. These highly dynamic contacts are characterized by continuous cytoskeletal remodeling events, which not only structure the interface but also exert a considerable amount of mechanical force. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that synaptic forces influence information transfer both into and out of the lymphocyte. Here, we review our current understanding of synapse mechanics, focusing on its role as an avenue for intercellular communication.
authors.affiliation: Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Roshni
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.affiliation: Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA. Electronic address: husem@mskcc.org.
authors.forename: Morgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Huse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002450:Cell Communication; D006801:Humans; D054992:Immunological Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016023:Integrins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic
keywords: B cell; T cell; immunology; mechanobiology; signal transduction