Journal of Immunobiology

Immunological Synapse Molecules

Abstract

Wei Lin and Zhichao Fan

Immunological Synapse (IS) is a multi-molecular assembly functional structure formed at the interface of T lymphocyte and antigen presenting cell. These molecules include antigen presenting molecules, adhesion molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, and inhibitors or checkpoint molecules, etc. The spatial and temporal changes of these molecules determine the structure type and the function of the IS, which further affect the fate of T cells. To date, some molecules involved in the IS formation have been suggested as the targets of immunotherapy. Here, we reviewed the current investigations in the structure and function of the IS, and the molecules participated in the IS formation.