The immunological synapse: a molecular machine controlling T cell activation.

Journal article

The specialized junction between a T lymphocyte and an antigen-presenting cell, the immunological synapse, consists of a central cluster of T cell receptors surrounded by a ring of adhesion molecules. Immunological synapse formation is now shown to be an active and dynamic mechanism that allows T cells to distinguish potential antigenic ligands. Initially, T cell receptor ligands were engaged in an outermost ring of the nascent synapse. Transport of these complexes into the central cluster was dependent on T cell receptor-ligand interaction kinetics. Finally, formation of a stable central cluster at the heart of the synapse was a determinative event for T cell proliferation.

Authors: Grakoui, A; Bromley, S; Sumen, C; Davis, M; Shaw, A

• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)
• Volume: 285
• Issue: 5425
• Pages: 221-227
• Publication date: 1999-07-01
• DOI: 10.1126/science.285.5425.221
• EISSN: 1095-9203
• ISSN: 0036-8075
• Language: English
• Keywords: Lipid Bilayers; Antigens, CD4; Signal Transduction; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Fluorescence; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Cell Movement; Histocompatibility Antigens; Mice, Transgenic; Cytochrome c Group; Models, Immunological; Lymphocyte Activation; T-Lymphocytes; Time Factors; Ligands; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Mice; Peptides; Microscopy, Interference; Animals; Antigen-Presenting Cells