Signaling and Polarized Communication Across the T Cell Immunological Synapse

摘要: T cells express a somatically recombined antigen receptor (αβTCR) that is calibrated during development to respond changes in peptides displayed by major histocompatibility complex proteins (pMHC) on the surface of antigen-presenting (APC). A key characteristic pMHC for adaptive immunity ability sample internal states and tissues sensitively detect associated with infection, cell derangement, or tissue injury. Physical cell-APC contact sets up an axis polarization TCR, adhesion molecules, kinases, cytoskeletal elements, organelles inherent this mode juxtacrine signaling. The discovery further lateral organization TCR molecules into radially symmetric compartments, immunological synapse, revealed intersecting plane symmetry potential regulated breaking control duration interactions. In addition organizing signaling machinery, synapse directs polarized transport secretion cytokines cytolytic agents across synaptic cleft site generation exocytic release bioactive microvesicles can functionally affect recipient APC other environment. This machinery coopted retroviruses, human immune deficiency virus-1 may even use antigen-specific synapses infection healthy cells. Here, we discuss recent advances molecular biological mechanisms assembly its role intercellular communication cleft.