The immunological synapse

Arthritis Res. 2002;4 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S119-25. doi: 10.1186/ar559. Epub 2002 May 9.

Abstract

T-cell activation requires interaction of T-cell antigen receptors with proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (antigen). This interaction takes place in a specialized cell-cell junction referred to as an immunological synapse. The immunological synapse contains at least two functional domains: a central cluster of engaged antigen receptors and a surrounding ring of adhesion molecules. The segregation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and adhesion molecules is based on size, with the TCR interaction spanning 15 nm and the lymphocyte-function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) interaction spanning 30-40 nm between the two cells. Therefore, the synapse is not an empty gap, but a space populated by both adhesion and signaling molecules. This chapter considers four aspects of the immunological synapse: the role of migration and stop signals, the role of the cytoskeleton, the role of self-antigenic complexes, and the role of second signals.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / cytology*
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Junctions / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology