Cytoskeletal polarization and redistribution of cell-surface molecules during T cell antigen recognition.

Journal article

T cell antigen recognition is accompanied by cytoskeletal polarization towards the APC and large-scale redistribution of cell surface molecules into 'supramolecular activation clusters' (SMACs), forming an organized contact interface termed the 'immunological synapse' (IS). Molecules are arranged in the IS in a micrometer scale bull's eye pattern with a central accumulation of TCR/peptide-MHC (the cSMAC) surrounded by a peripheral ring of adhesion molecules (the pSMAC). We propose that segregation of cell surface molecules on a much smaller scale initiates TCR triggering, which drives the formation of the IS by active transport processes. IS formation may function as a checkpoint for full T cell activation, integrating information on the presence and quality of TCR ligands and the nature and activation state of the APC.

Authors: Anton van der Merwe, P; Davis, S; Shaw, A; Dustin, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Seminars in immunology
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 5-21
• Publication date: 2000-02-01
• DOI: 10.1006/smim.2000.0203
• EISSN: 1096-3618
• ISSN: 1044-5323
• Language: English
• Keywords: Animals; Humans; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; T-Lymphocytes; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Signal Transduction; Antigen-Presenting Cells; Antigens, Surface