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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry
08:35

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

[Leukocyte synapse: structure, function and significance]

Ke-Fu Wu1, Guo-Guang Zheng, Xiao-Tong Ma

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology & Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China. hiwukefu@yahoo.com.cn

Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi
|August 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Leukocyte synapses, including immunological and virological synapses, form dynamic networks for cell communication and viral transmission. These structures, like flower-like polysynapses, are crucial in immune responses and persistent infections.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Context:

  • The immune system relies on complex cellular interactions.
  • Leukocyte synapses, such as immunological synapses (IS), are dynamic structures enabling temporary cellular networks.
  • Virological synapses (VS) are observed in viral-infected lymphocytes, facilitating viral transmission.

Purpose:

  • To review the structure and function of leukocyte synapses.
  • To discuss the significance of these cellular structures in health and disease.
  • To present novel observations of flower-like polysynapses in EB virus-infected cells.

Summary:

  • Leukocyte synapses are dynamic structures classified into synapse and kinase types, with variations among different leukocytes.
  • Inflammatory, leukemic, and virally infected cells exhibit unique IS and VS patterns.
  • Flower-like polysynapses, a multi-tunneling nanotube structure, have been observed in EB virus-infected human leukemic cells.

Impact:

  • Understanding leukocyte synapses is key to comprehending immune responses and viral pathogenesis.
  • These structures play a role in efficient viral transmission and immune evasion, potentially leading to persistent infections.
  • Further research into leukocyte synapses may reveal new therapeutic targets for infectious diseases and leukemia.

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