Actin waves guide an outward movement of microclusters in the lymphocyte immunological synapse.

ABSTRACT: The lymphocyte immune response begins with antigen recognition on antigen-presenting cells, leading to the formation of the immunological synapse-a specialized interface for biochemical and biophysical exchange. At the synapse, most antigen-engaged receptor microclusters move inward toward the central supramolecular activation cluster (cSMAC) via retrograde F-actin flow, eventually clearing from the cell surface. This retrograde movement and receptor downregulation maintain antigen receptor homeostasis, critical for adaptive immunity, though its regulation remains unclear. Using live T cells, we identify a significant pool of antigen-engaged microclusters moving anterogradely toward the cell periphery, rather than the cSMAC. This movement is driven by actin waves propagating outward and co

SUBMITTER: Dey A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12936205 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature