Functional anatomy of T cell activation and synapse formation.

Journal article

T cell activation and function require a structured engagement of antigen-presenting cells. These cell contacts are characterized by two distinct dynamics in vivo: transient contacts resulting from promigratory junctions called immunological kinapses or prolonged contacts from stable junctions called immunological synapses. Kinapses operate in the steady state to allow referencing to self-peptide-MHC (pMHC) and searching for pathogen-derived pMHC. Synapses are induced by T cell receptor (TCR) interactions with agonist pMHC under specific conditions and correlate with robust immune responses that generate effector and memory T cells. High-resolution imaging has revealed that the synapse is highly coordinated, integrating cell adhesion, TCR recognition of pMHC complexes, and an array of activating and inhibitory ligands to promote or prevent T cell signaling. In this review, we examine the molecular components, geometry, and timing underlying kinapses and synapses. We integrate recent molecular and physiological data to provide a synthesis and suggest ways forward.

Authors: Fooksman, DR; Vardhana, S; Vasiliver-Shamis, G; Liese, J; Blair, D

• Journal: Annual review of immunology
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 79-105
• Publication date: 2010-01-01
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-030409-101308
• EISSN: 1545-3278
• ISSN: 0732-0582
• Language: English
• Keywords: Cell Communication; Signal Transduction; Humans; Immunological Synapses; Lymphocyte Activation; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; T-Lymphocytes; Animals