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Related Concept Videos

Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

10.8K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

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Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
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Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
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Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

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Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
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Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse

Published on: December 26, 2019

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The immunological synapse.

Michael L Dustin1

  • 1The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, The University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom. Michael.Dustin@kennedy.ox.ac.uk.

Cancer Immunology Research
|November 5, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The immunological synapse, a nanoscale gap between immune cells, is crucial for regulating immune responses. Understanding its function is key to developing new cancer immunotherapies and treating autoimmune diseases.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
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Visualization of the Immunological Synapse by Dual Color Time-gated Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Nanoscopy
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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The immune response relies on molecular interactions within the immunological synapse, a specialized junction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells.
  • Proper regulation of the immunological synapse is vital for host defense against pathogens and abnormal cells.
  • Dysregulation of this synapse can lead to susceptibility to infections, tumor immune evasion, or autoimmune disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a foundational understanding of the immunological synapse.
  • To explore the role of the immunological synapse in tumor immunology.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the immunological synapse.

Main Methods:

  • This primer synthesizes existing knowledge on the immunological synapse.
  • It reviews key molecular interactions and structural components.
  • Applications in cancer immunotherapy are discussed based on current literature.

Main Results:

  • The immunological synapse is a critical regulator of T cell activation and immune homeostasis.
  • Its structure and function are essential for distinguishing self from non-self.
  • Targeting the immunological synapse has proven effective in cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • The immunological synapse is a central hub for immune cell communication and regulation.
  • Dysfunction of the immunological synapse has significant implications for health and disease.
  • Further research into the immunological synapse holds promise for advancing cancer treatment and managing autoimmune conditions.