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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation
10:31

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation

Published on: June 23, 2013

Leukocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is a signaling molecule for cytoskeletal changes in a human T cell

D Kelleher1, A Murphy, D Cullen

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Ireland.

European Journal of Immunology
|October 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Stimulating human T cells with LFA-1 antibodies causes dendritic processes containing cytoskeletal elements. This signaling molecule may reorganize the T cell cytoskeleton, an effect prolonged by phorbol myristate acetate.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cytoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

  • The HuT 78/2 clone is a human T cell line with an activated phenotype.
  • T cell activation and function involve complex cellular rearrangements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1) in T cell morphology.
  • To explore the signaling pathways involved in T cell cytoskeletal reorganization.

Main Methods:

  • Stimulation of HuT 78/2 T cell clone with immobilized anti-LFA-1 antibody.
  • Microscopic analysis to observe cellular morphology and process formation.
  • Immunofluorescence staining to identify cytoskeletal components (microtubules, intermediate filaments).
  • Treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to assess synergistic effects.

Main Results:

  • Immobilized anti-LFA-1 antibody induced the development of dendritic processes in the majority of HuT 78/2 cells.
  • These dendritic processes were found to contain cytoskeletal elements, including microtubules and intermediate filaments.
  • Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) synergized with and prolonged the observed effect of LFA-1 stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • The LFA-1 molecule may act as a signaling molecule that triggers cytoskeletal reorganization in human T cells.
  • Cytoskeletal rearrangements are a key component of T cell activation and response.
  • Combined stimulation via LFA-1 and PMA enhances and sustains T cell morphological changes.

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