Concerning immune synapses: a spatiotemporal timeline [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

Abstract

The term “immune synapse” was originally coined to highlight the similarities between the synaptic contacts between neurons in the central nervous system and the cognate, antigen-dependent interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Here, instead of offering a comprehensive molecular catalogue of molecules involved in the establishment, stabilization, function, and resolution of the immune synapse, we follow a spatiotemporal timeline that begins at the initiation of exploratory contacts between the T cell and the antigen-presenting cell and ends with the termination of the contact. We focus on specific aspects that distinguish synapses established by cytotoxic and T helper cells as well as unresolved issues and controversies regarding the formation of this intercellular structure.

Keywords

• Antigen Processing & Recognition
• Cell Adhesion
• Genetics of the Immune System
• Immune Response
• Immunomodulation
• Leukocyte Activation
• Leukocyte Signaling & Gene Expression