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Extent of MHC Clustering Regulates Selectivity and Effectiveness of T Cell Responses

Journal Article · · Journal of Immunology
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [1]
  1. Thomas Jefferson Univ., Philladelphia, PA (United States)
  2. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

MHC proteins that present peptide ligands for recognition by T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) form nano-scale clusters on the cell membrane of antigen-presenting cells. How the extent of MHC clustering controls productive TCR engagement and TCR-mediated signaling has not been systematically studied. To evaluate the role of MHC clustering, we exploited nano-scale discoidal membrane mimetics (nanolipoprotein particles, or NLPs) to capture and present pMHC ligands at various densities. We examined the binding of these model membrane clusters to the surface of live CD8+ T cells and the subsequent triggering of intracellular signaling. The data demonstrate that the proximity of pMHC ligands, high association rate of CD8-MHC interactions, and relatively long lifetime of cognate TCRpMHC complexes emerge as essential parameters explaining the significance of MHC clustering. Rapid rebinding of CD8 to MHC suggested a dual role of CD8 in facilitating the T cells’ hunt for a rare foreign pMHC ligand and the induction of rapid T-cell response. Thus, our findings provide a new understanding of how MHC clustering influences multivalent interactions of pMHC ligands with CD8 and TCR on live T cells that regulate antigen recognition, kinetics of intracellular signaling, and the selectivity and efficiency of T-cell responses.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
1497300
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL--737703; 890710
Journal Information:
Journal of Immunology, Journal Name: Journal of Immunology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 202; ISSN 0022-1767
Publisher:
The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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