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The Dendritic Cell Synapse: A Life Dedicated to T Cell Activation
1Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Trieste , Italy.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 26, 2016
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) actively remodel during T-cell activation at the immune synapse. We review DC cytoskeletal changes and vesicle trafficking involved in T-cell priming.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T-cell activation relies on signals transmitted at the immunological synapse.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) actively shape the immune synapse through receptor remodeling and cytoskeletal changes.
- While T-cell signaling is understood, DC-side events during synapse formation are less characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of DC events during immune synapse formation.
- To discuss the role of DC cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicle trafficking in T-cell priming.
- To identify unanswered questions regarding DC functions at the synapse.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DC-T cell interactions.
- Analysis of cytoskeletal remodeling (actin and microtubules) in DCs.
- Investigation of endosomal vesicle trafficking and polarized secretion in DCs.
Main Results:
- DCs actin and microtubule cytoskeletons undergo significant spatial reorganization during synapse formation.
- Polarization of the DC subcellular space toward the T cell is mediated by cytoskeletal changes.
- The trafficking machinery controlling polarized delivery of endosomal vesicles is crucial for T-cell priming.
Conclusions:
- DC cytoskeletal dynamics and polarized secretion are critical for effective T-cell priming.
- Understanding DC remodeling at the immune synapse provides insights into adaptive immunity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of DC-T cell communication.
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