Regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics at the immune synapse: new stars join the actin troupe

DD Billadeau, JK Burkhardt - Traffic, 2006 - Wiley Online Library
Traffic, 2006Wiley Online Library
Reorganization of actin cytoskeletal dynamics plays a critical role in controlling T‐
lymphocyte activation and effector functions. Interaction of T‐cell receptors (TCR) with
appropriate major histocompatability complex–peptide complexes on antigen‐presenting
cells results in the activation of signaling cascades, leading to the accumulation of F‐actin at
the cell–cell contact site. This event is required for the formation and stabilization of the
immune synapse (IS), a cellular structure essential for the modulation of T‐cell responses …
Reorganization of actin cytoskeletal dynamics plays a critical role in controlling T‐lymphocyte activation and effector functions. Interaction of T‐cell receptors (TCR) with appropriate major histocompatability complex–peptide complexes on antigen‐presenting cells results in the activation of signaling cascades, leading to the accumulation of F‐actin at the cell–cell contact site. This event is required for the formation and stabilization of the immune synapse (IS), a cellular structure essential for the modulation of T‐cell responses. Analysis of actin cytoskeletal dynamics following engagement of the TCR has largely focused on the Arp2/3 regulator, WASp, because of its early identification and its association with human disease. However, recent studies have shown equally important roles for several additional actin regulatory proteins. In this review, we turn the spotlight on the expanding cast of actin regulatory proteins, which co‐ordinate actin dynamics at the IS.
Wiley Online Library