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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

Published on: December 26, 2019

The immunological synapse, TCR microclusters, and T cell activation.

Tadashi Yokosuka¹, Takashi Saito

¹Laboratory for Cell Signaling, RIKEN Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan. yokosuka@rcai.riken.jp

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology

|December 5, 2009

Summary

T cell activation involves T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters, which are key signaling units. Understanding their dynamic formation and interaction is crucial for T cell-mediated immunity.

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Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

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Published on: December 26, 2019

An Endothelial Planar Cell Model for Imaging Immunological Synapse Dynamics

An Endothelial Planar Cell Model for Imaging Immunological Synapse Dynamics

Published on: December 24, 2015

Supported Planar Bilayers for the Formation of Study of Immunological Synapses and Kinapse

Supported Planar Bilayers for the Formation of Study of Immunological Synapses and Kinapse

Published on: September 15, 2008

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

T cell activation is initiated by T cell-antigen-presenting cell (APC) interactions, forming the immunological synapse.
The immunological synapse was traditionally viewed as the primary site for antigen recognition and T cell activation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent discoveries regarding T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters in T cell activation.
To highlight the dynamic regulation of TCR and CD28 microcluster formation, migration, and interaction as key events in initiating immune responses.

Main Methods:

Advanced imaging analysis techniques provide new insights into T cell activation dynamics.
Comprehensive analyses of TCR microcluster composition and characteristics reveal their dynamic features.

Main Results:

TCR microclusters, along with associated kinases and adaptors, form upon antigen recognition and act as fundamental signaling units.
CD28-mediated costimulation is also regulated by microcluster formation.
Dynamic regulation of TCR and CD28 microclusters is critical for T cell activation initiation.

Conclusions:

TCR microclusters represent a fundamental signaling unit in T cell activation.
The dynamic behavior of TCR and CD28 microclusters is essential for initiating T cell-mediated immune responses.
Further research into microcluster dynamics will advance our understanding of T cell activation.