Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
10:31
Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation
Published on: June 23, 2013
Functional implications of plasma membrane condensation for T cell activation
Carles Rentero1, Tobias Zech, Carmel M Quinn
1Centre for Vascular Research, University of New South Wales and the Department of Haematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Plos One
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Membrane condensation at T cell activation sites is crucial for T cell signaling. Inhibiting this process with 7-ketocholesterol impairs T cell receptor signaling and downstream responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- T lymphocyte activation involves plasma membrane condensation at the T cell activation site.
- The functional significance of this receptor-mediated membrane reorganization remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of membrane condensation in T cell activation.
- To determine the impact of inhibiting membrane condensation on T cell signaling.
Main Methods:
- T cells were enriched with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) or cholesterol.
- T cell activation was triggered via the T cell receptor (TCR).
- Calcium fluxes, tyrosine phosphorylation, signaling complex formation, protein retention, and actin restructuring were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 7KC treatment inhibited membrane condensation without affecting initial TCR-triggered calcium fluxes or tyrosine phosphorylation.
- Signaling complex formation and retention of phosphorylated proteins at the plasma membrane were reduced in 7KC-treated cells.
- Actin restructuring at activation sites was impaired, leading to compromised downstream T cell activation responses.
Conclusions:
- Lipids play a significant role in organizing T cell activation sites.
- Membrane condensation is an essential component of the T cell activation process, influencing signaling complex formation and downstream responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:22Enlargement of the Plasma Membrane
Cell division and enlargement are processes that require precise control. The control ensures that cell division cannot proceed unless the cell has grown to a specific size. A spherical, dividing cell requires an approximately 1.6X increase in its surface area to double its volume. The secretory pathway also has a significant role in cell membrane enlargement. Secretory vesicles that bud off from the Golgi apparatus and later fuse with the plasma membrane during exocytosis are a major source of...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:23Membrane Fluidity
Cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates loosely attached to one another through chemical interactions. Molecules are generally able to move about in the plane of the membrane, giving the membrane its flexible nature called fluidity. Two other features of the membrane contribute to membrane fluidity: the chemical structure of the phospholipids and the presence of cholesterol in the membrane.Fatty acids tails of phospholipids can be either saturated or...
01:26Membrane Fluidity
Membrane fluidity is explained by the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane, which describes the plasma membrane structure as a mosaic of components—including phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates—that gives the membrane a fluid character.
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
01:24What are Membranes?
A cell's plasma membrane demarcates the cell's borders and determines the nature of its interaction with the environment. Cells exclude certain substances, take in others, and excrete some others in controlled quantities. The plasma membrane must be flexible to allow certain cells, such as red and white blood cells, to change their shape while passing through narrow capillaries. These are the more obvious plasma membrane functions. In addition, the plasma membrane's surface carries markers that...