Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes
09:14

Static Adhesion Assay for the Study of Integrin Activation in T Lymphocytes

Published on: June 13, 2014

Mechanisms and functions for the duration of intercellular contacts made by lymphocytes

Daniel M Davis1

  • 1Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK. d.davis@imperial.ac.uk

Nature Reviews. Immunology
|July 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cell-cell contact duration is crucial for immune responses. Molecular and cellular processes regulate these interactions, influencing immune cell communication and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Intercellular communication is vital for immune responses.
  • Lymphocyte interaction imaging reveals cell-cell contact timing is key.
  • Understanding these dynamics is essential for immune regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular and cellular mechanisms governing intercellular contact duration.
  • To discuss regulatory factors influencing immune cell interaction timing.
  • To explore how contact duration impacts immune response outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cell-cell contact dynamics.
  • Analysis of molecular processes like integrin activation.
  • Examination of membrane morphology changes during immune cell interactions.

Main Results:

  • Integrin activation and membrane dynamics significantly influence contact duration.
  • The balance of activating and inhibitory receptor signals regulates contact timing.
  • Contact duration is a critical determinant of immune cell interaction outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Regulating intercellular contact duration is a key mechanism in immune response orchestration.
  • Molecular and cellular processes provide tunable control over immune cell interactions.
  • Further research into these dynamics can inform therapeutic strategies for immune modulation.

More Related Videos

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation15:39

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation

Published on: June 1, 2019

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins16:10

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

Published on: March 22, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions01:20

Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily  involved in a...
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System01:28

Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues01:18

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System01:23

Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System

Immunity is a crucial biological concept about our body's inherent capacity to prevent infections and diseases. A complex network of cells and tissues collectively known as the immune system facilitates this natural defense mechanism. The immune system plays an integral role in maintaining our health and well-being, shielding us from potential health threats.
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...