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Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation
Published on: June 23, 2013
Fas signalling promotes intercellular communication in T cells
Francesca Luchetti1, Barbara Canonico, Marcella Arcangeletti
1Department of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy. francesca.luchetti@uniurb.it
Plos One
|May 5, 2012
Summary
Fas signaling promotes cell-to-cell communication in CD4+ T cells by enhancing conjugate formation and material exchange via tunneling nanotubes and microvesicles, independent of apoptosis. This reveals a new social role for Fas/FasL interactions in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cell-to-cell communication is vital for multicellular organisms.
- Mechanisms include trogocytosis, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and microvesicles (MVs).
- Fas/FasL signaling is known to trigger apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Fas signaling in intercellular communication among CD4+ T cells.
- To explore novel functions of Fas/FasL interactions beyond apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were employed.
- CD4+ T cells were stimulated with FasL.
- Pharmacological inhibitors (Latruculin A, Nocodazole) were used to block TNT formation.
- Analysis of microvesicle release and uptake.
Main Results:
- FasL significantly increased CD4+ T cell conjugate formation (8-fold).
- Cytosolic material exchange via TNTs and MVs was observed (exchange ratio >10).
- Inhibiting TNTs reduced material exchange by over 40-50%.
- Fas treatment increased MV release and uptake by T cells.
Conclusions:
- Fas signaling plays a pivotal role in CD4+ T cell communication.
- Intercellular communication occurs via TNTs and MVs, initiated early in Fas/FasL interaction.
- These communication pathways operate alongside the known apoptotic pathway of FasL.
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