Cytoskeletal tension actively sustains the T cell immunological synapse

Immunological synapses formed between T cells and cognate antigen presenting cells (APCs) mediate exchange of biochemical information between T cells and APCs, and the duration of such synapses is a critical determinant of T cell activation and effector functions. While the process of synapse formation has been well-characterized, the cellular processes that regulate synaptic lifetime remain unknown. Here we identify an antigen-triggered cytoskeletal mechanism that actively promotes T cell synapse stability by generating mechanical tension in the plane of the synapse. Cytoskeletal tension is generated by focal nucleation of actin via Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Protein (WASP) and contraction of the resultant actin filaments by myosin II. Once T cells are activated, WASP is degraded, leading to cytoskeletal re-arrangement, tension decay and consequently, synaptic disengagement. The study identifies a mechanical program within T cells that regulates the lifetime of the T cell-APC synapse.

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