The immunological synapse balances T cell receptor signaling and degradation

Science. 2003 Nov 14;302(5648):1218-22. doi: 10.1126/science.1086507. Epub 2003 Sep 25.

Abstract

The immunological synapse is a specialized cell-cell junction between T cell and antigen-presenting cell surfaces. It is characterized by a central cluster of antigen receptors, a ring of integrin family adhesion molecules, and temporal stability over hours. The role of this specific organization in signaling for T cell activation has been controversial. We use in vitro and in silico experiments to determine that the immunological synapse acts as a type of adaptive controller that both boosts T cell receptor triggering and attenuates strong signals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Cell Membrane / immunology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Down-Regulation
  • Endocytosis
  • Ligands
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Models, Immunological
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Peptides / immunology
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptor Aggregation
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Antigens
  • CD2-associated protein
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
  • Zap70 protein, mouse