The immunological synapse balances T cell receptor signaling and degradation.

Lee, Kyeong-Hee; Dinner, Aaron R; Tu, Chun; Campi, Gabriele; Raychaudhuri, Subhadip; Varma, Rajat; Sims, Tasha N; Burack, W Richard et al. · Science · 2003

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

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.

Medical subject headings