The immunological synapse.

Journal article

T-cell activation requires interaction of T-cell antigen receptors with proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (antigen). This interaction takes place in a specialized cell-cell junction referred to as an immunological synapse. The immunological synapse contains at least two functional domains: a central cluster of engaged antigen receptors and a surrounding ring of adhesion molecules. The segregation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and adhesion molecules is based on size, with the TCR interaction spanning 15 nm and the lymphocyte-function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) interaction spanning 30-40 nm between the two cells. Therefore, the synapse is not an empty gap, but a space populated by both adhesion and signaling molecules. This chapter considers four aspects of the immunological synapse: the role of migration and stop signals, the role of the cytoskeleton, the role of self-antigenic complexes, and the role of second signals.

Authors: Dustin, M

• Journal: Arthritis research
• Volume: 4 Suppl 3
• Pages: S119-S125
• Publication date: 2002-01-01
• DOI: 10.1186/ar559
• EISSN: 1465-9913
• ISSN: 1465-9905
• Language: English
• Keywords: Intercellular Junctions; Humans; T-Lymphocytes; Animals; Signal Transduction; Antigen-Presenting Cells