Formation and function of the immunological synapse.

Journal article

Less than five years ago it was reported that cell surface molecules at the contact site between CD4 T cells and antigen-presenting cells redistribute into distinct patterns, forming an organized interface termed the immunological synapse. More recently, similar reorganized interfaces have been observed with CD8 T cells and NK cells, suggesting that they may be a common feature of lymphocyte activation. Although there has been some advance in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this redistribution, its purpose remains unclear and controversial.

Authors: Van Der Merwe, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Current opinion in immunology
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 293-298
• Publication date: 2002-06-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0952-7915(02)00350-3
• EISSN: 1879-0372
• ISSN: 0952-7915
• Language: English
• Keywords: Antigen-Presenting Cells; Humans; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Cell Polarity; Antigens, CD; Animals; Antigens, CD43; Sialoglycoproteins; T-Lymphocytes; Synapses