T cell receptor (TCR) clustering in the immunological synapse integrates TCR and costimulatory signaling in selected T cells

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Feb 22;102(8):2904-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0406867102. Epub 2005 Feb 9.

Abstract

During T cell activation, T cell receptors (TCR) cluster at the center of the T cell/antigen-presenting cell interface forming a key component of the immunological synapse. The function of this TCR clustering is still unresolved. A comprehensive search for such a function yielded a very limited and specific result. A micrometer-scale receptor clustering integrated the TCR and CD28 signals required for IL-2 secretion in primary 5C.C7 T cells, a low-affinity/avidity TCR system. 5C.C7 TCR signaling itself was not affected. In addition, central TCR accumulation was not required for any T cell effector function tested in three other TCR transgenic models. Central TCR accumulation thus had a specific role in signaling integration in low-affinity T cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD28 Antigens / physiology
  • Cell Polarity
  • Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synapses / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • CD28 Antigens
  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell