Actin cytoskeletal dynamics in T lymphocyte activation and migration

J Leukoc Biol. 2003 Jan;73(1):30-48. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0602272.

Abstract

Dynamic rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are crucial for the function of numerous cellular elements including T lymphocytes. They are required for migration of T lymphocytes through the body to scan for the presence of antigens, as well as for the formation and stabilization of the immunological synapse at the interface between antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Supramolecular activation clusters within the immunological synapse play an important role for the initiation of T cell responses and for the execution of T cell effector functions. In addition to the T cell receptor/CD3 induced actin nucleation via Wasp/Arp2/3-activation, signals through accessory receptors of the T cell (i.e., costimulation) regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics. In this regard, the actin-binding proteins cofilin and L-plastin represent prominent candidates linking accessory receptor stimulation to the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Cofilin enhances actin polymerization via its actin-severing activity, and as a long-lasting effect, cofilin generates novel actin monomers through F-actin depolymerization. L-plastin stabilizes actin filament structures by means of its actin-bundling activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Polarity / immunology
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte
  • Cytoskeleton / immunology
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Actins