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Related Concept Videos

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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.
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Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

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Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
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Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
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Contractile rings are composed of microfilaments and are responsible for separating the daughter cells during cytokinesis. Contractile ring assembly proceeds along with other cell cycle events; however, very few mechanistic details are known about the timing and coordination of the contractile rings with the cell cycle.
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The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
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Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
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Micro-adhesion rings surrounding TCR microclusters are essential for T cell activation.

Akiko Hashimoto-Tane1, Machie Sakuma2, Hiroshi Ike3

  • 1Laboratory for Cell Signaling, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan takashi.saito@riken.jp akiko.tane@riken.jp.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|June 30, 2016
PubMed
Summary

A novel micro-adhesion ring, resembling a small immunological synapse, forms around T cell receptor microclusters during T cell activation. This structure is crucial for initiating acquired immunity by enhancing T cell signaling and function.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The immunological synapse (IS) is critical for T cell activation and acquired immunity.
  • T cell activation begins at T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters (MCs) before full IS formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structure and function of transient ring-like formations around TCR microclusters during early T cell activation.
  • To elucidate the role of these micro-adhesion rings in T cell signaling and immune response initiation.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopy and live-cell imaging to observe TCR-MC and micro-adhesion ring dynamics.
  • Biochemical assays to identify components of the micro-adhesion ring (LFA-1, paxillin, Pyk2, myosin II).
  • Perturbation experiments to assess the impact of micro-adhesion ring disruption on T cell activation.

Main Results:

  • A transient micro-adhesion ring, composed of integrins and focal adhesion molecules, forms around TCR-MCs.
  • This ring structure is supported by F-actin and myosin II activity, driven by LFA-1 outside-in signals.
  • Weak TCR stimulation sustained the ring, promoting recruitment of LAT and SLP76.
  • Disrupting the micro-adhesion ring impaired TCR-MC development, T cell signaling, and cellular functions.

Conclusions:

  • The T cell micro-adhesion ring acts as a microscale synapse, essential for initial T cell activation.
  • Integrin outside-in signaling through this ring structure is critical for robust T cell responses.
  • This synapse-like structure plays a key role in the initiation of acquired immunity.