Immune synapses in T-cell activation

Curr Opin Immunol. 2006 Jun;18(3):298-304. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2006.03.011. Epub 2006 Apr 17.

Abstract

The contact site between T cells and antigen-presenting cells or T cells and their targets--the immunological synapse--is a highly specialized structure potentially involved in T-cell activation and function. Although many insights have been obtained since the initial description of the immune synapse, recent advances have provided us with a better understanding of mechanisms involved in synapse formation and in the diversity of synapse morphologies. New potential roles for the synapse such as in polarized cytokine secretion or in adaptive control of T-cell activation have been proposed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Junctions / immunology*
  • Models, Immunological
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*