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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
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Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
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Cytoskeletal tension actively sustains the migratory T-cell synaptic contact
Sudha Kumari1,2, Michael Mak3, Yeh-Chuin Poh1,3
1Koch Institute of Integrative Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
The EMBO Journal
|January 3, 2020
Summary
Migratory T cells form stable immunological synapses with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through a mechanical program. This involves actin nucleation via Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and myosin II contraction, maintaining synapse stability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- T cells form stable immunological synapses with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for immune response.
- Synapse formation is understood, but mechanisms maintaining symmetry and stability are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify the antigen-triggered mechanism maintaining T-cell synapse symmetry and stability.
- Characterize the mechanical program governing T-cell-APC synaptic contact.
Main Methods:
- Investigated T-cell synapse formation and stability.
- Focused on actin dynamics, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), and myosin II activity.
Main Results:
- Discovered an antigen-triggered mechanism generating cytoskeletal tension via focal actin nucleation (WASP) and myosin II contraction.
- Showed WASP degradation post-activation leads to cytoskeletal unraveling and synapse destabilization.
Conclusions:
- A mechanical program involving WASP and myosin II actively sustains T-cell synapse symmetry and stability.
- This program is crucial for maintaining stable T cell-APC interactions essential for T-cell immunity.
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