Visualizing intermolecular interactions in T cells

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2009:334:31-46. doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-93864-4_2.

Abstract

The use of appropriate fluorescent proteins has allowed the use of FRET microscopy for investigation of intermolecular interactions in living cells. This method has the advantage of both being dynamic and of working at the subcellular level, so that the time and place where proteins interact can be visualized. We have used FRET microscopy to analyze the interactions between the T cell antigen receptor and the coreceptors CD4 and CD8. This chapter reviews data on how these coreceptors are recruited to the immunological synapse, and how they interact when the T cell is stimulated by different ligands.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism*
  • CD8 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell