The immunological synapse
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The immunological synapse. / Klemmensen, Thomas; Pedersen, Lars Ostergaard; Geisler, Carsten.
In: Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis, Vol. 51, No. 6, 2003, p. 377-88.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The immunological synapse
AU - Klemmensen, Thomas
AU - Pedersen, Lars Ostergaard
AU - Geisler, Carsten
N1 - Keywords: Antigen-Presenting Cells; Cell Adhesion; Cell Communication; Cell Movement; Immune System; Models, Immunological; T-Lymphocytes
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - The induction of a proper adaptive immune response is dependent on the correct transfer of information between antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and antigen-specific T cells. Defects in information transfer may result in the development of diseases, e.g. immunodeficiencies and autoimmunity. A distinct 3-dimensional supramolecular structure at the T cell/APC interface has been suggested to be involved in the information transfer. Due to its functional analogy to the neuronal synapse, the structure has been termed the "immunological synapse" (IS). Here, we review molecular aspects concerning IS formation, appearance, and cessation. In addition, proposed functions of the IS are discussed. The process of IS formation occurs in a sequential manner, initially causing a remarkable large-scale redistribution of a number of integral membrane and cytosolic proteins. At the T cell/APC interface the structure comprises in its nascent stage a non-random pattern of protein distribution. The protein pattern is regulated during development of the mature IS and is finally organized into concentric rings of co-receptors and adhesive molecules surrounding the T cell antigen receptor (TCR). The relocations of proteins are influenced by passive as well as active mechanisms. Considering the IS as a device enabling cell-cell communication, clarification of its exact function is of huge general as well as therapeutic interest.
AB - The induction of a proper adaptive immune response is dependent on the correct transfer of information between antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and antigen-specific T cells. Defects in information transfer may result in the development of diseases, e.g. immunodeficiencies and autoimmunity. A distinct 3-dimensional supramolecular structure at the T cell/APC interface has been suggested to be involved in the information transfer. Due to its functional analogy to the neuronal synapse, the structure has been termed the "immunological synapse" (IS). Here, we review molecular aspects concerning IS formation, appearance, and cessation. In addition, proposed functions of the IS are discussed. The process of IS formation occurs in a sequential manner, initially causing a remarkable large-scale redistribution of a number of integral membrane and cytosolic proteins. At the T cell/APC interface the structure comprises in its nascent stage a non-random pattern of protein distribution. The protein pattern is regulated during development of the mature IS and is finally organized into concentric rings of co-receptors and adhesive molecules surrounding the T cell antigen receptor (TCR). The relocations of proteins are influenced by passive as well as active mechanisms. Considering the IS as a device enabling cell-cell communication, clarification of its exact function is of huge general as well as therapeutic interest.
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 14692659
VL - 51
SP - 377
EP - 388
JO - Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis
JF - Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis
SN - 0004-069X
IS - 6
ER -
ID: 8544406