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Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

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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.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
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Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

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Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
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Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

Diversity of Antigen Receptors

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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.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
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Signal Transduction: Overview01:26

Signal Transduction: Overview

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Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
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Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

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Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
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Enzyme-linked Receptors01:00

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Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2025

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
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A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins

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Recent advances in understanding TCR signaling: a synaptic perspective.

Michael L Dustin1

  • 1Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Faculty Reviews
|October 30, 2023
PubMed
Summary

The T cell receptor (TCR) complex recognizes antigens and initiates signaling cascades crucial for immune responses. Recent structural and biochemical insights reveal its intricate machinery and regulation at the immunological synapse.

Keywords:
Immunologyaffinityallosterymicroscopyreceptors

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Measuring TCR-pMHC Binding In Situ using a FRET-based Microscopy Assay
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Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries
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Related Experiment Videos

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A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins
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Measuring TCR-pMHC Binding In Situ using a FRET-based Microscopy Assay
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Measuring TCR-pMHC Binding In Situ using a FRET-based Microscopy Assay

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Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries
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Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • The T cell receptor (TCR) complex is central to adaptive immunity, mediating antigen recognition and signal transduction.
  • Its function is critical for lymphocyte activation, survival, differentiation, and effector responses in host defense.
  • Understanding the TCR complex's structure and signaling is key to deciphering immune cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and integrate recent structural and biochemical findings on the T cell receptor complex.
  • To elucidate the TCR's role in translating recognition into cellular signals.
  • To examine TCR signaling mechanisms within the context of the immunological synapse.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy for structural determination of TCR components.
  • Biochemical assays to investigate protein interactions and signaling pathways.
  • Integration of structural and functional data to model TCR complex behavior.

Main Results:

  • Detailed structures of extracellular and transmembrane TCR components have been elucidated.
  • New information on coupling with intracellular partners and lateral membrane associations has emerged.
  • Insights into signal termination mechanisms and their relation to effector functions were gained.

Conclusions:

  • Recent advances provide a more comprehensive picture of the T cell receptor signaling machinery.
  • Structural and biochemical data, viewed through the immunological synapse, enhance our understanding of TCR function.
  • This integrated view is crucial for understanding innate and adaptive host defense mechanisms.