Immunological Synapses Are Versatile Structures Enabling Selective T Cell Polarization

• Published in: Immunity (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 185 - 194
• Main Authors: Depoil, David, Zaru, Rossana, Guiraud, Martine, Chauveau, Anne, Harriague, Julie, Bismuth, Georges, Utzny, Clemens, Müller, Sabina, Valitutti, Salvatore
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-02-2005; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Animals; Antigen-Presenting Cells - cytology; Antigen-Presenting Cells - immunology; CD2 Antigens - immunology; CD2 Antigens - metabolism; CD58 Antigens - immunology; CD58 Antigens - metabolism; Cell Line; Cell Polarity; Cloning; Cytokines; Experiments; Humans; Intercellular Junctions - metabolism; Labeling; Lymphocytes; Mice; Peptides; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell - immunology; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell - metabolism; Software; Studies; Substrate Specificity; T cell receptors; T-Lymphocytes - cytology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - metabolism
• ISSN: 1074-7613; 1097-4180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2004.12.010

Helper T cells discriminate among different antigen-presenting cells to provide their help in a selective fashion. The molecular mechanisms leading to this exquisite selectivity are still elusive. Here, we demonstrate that immunological synapses are dynamic and adaptable structures allowing T cells to communicate with multiple cells. We show that T cells can form simultaneous immunological synapses with cells presenting different levels of antigenic ligands but eventually polarize toward the strongest stimulus. Remarkably, living T cells form discrete foci of signal transduction of different intensities during the interaction with different antigen-presenting cells and rapidly relocate TCR and Golgi apparatus toward the cell providing the strongest stimulus. Our results illustrate that, although T cell activation requires sustained signaling, T cells are capable of rapid synapse remodeling and swift polarization responses. The combination of sustained signaling with preferential and rapid polarization provides a mechanism for the high sensitivity and selectivity of T cell responses.