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

Grakoui A., Bromley SK., Sumen C., Davis MM., Shaw AS., Allen PM., Dustin ML.

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.

DOI

10.1126/science.285.5425.221

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

09/07/1999

Volume

285

Pages

221 - 227

Keywords

Animals, Antigen-Presenting Cells, CD4 Antigens, CHO Cells, Cell Movement, Cricetinae, Cytochrome c Group, Fluorescence, Histocompatibility Antigens, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Ligands, Lipid Bilayers, Lymphocyte Activation, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Microscopy, Interference, Models, Immunological, Peptides, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, Signal Transduction, T-Lymphocytes, Time Factors

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