The role of actomyosin and the microtubular network in both the immunological synapse and T cell activation

Abstract

The formation of immunological synapses between T cells and APCs, as well as the functions associated with this structure, like cytokine secretion and the lysis of infected cells, are critical processes in the immune response. The T cell cytoskeleton is involved in these activities and this has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. Although the importance of the T cell actin network is evident, the participation of microtubules and myosin motors in the formation of immunological synapses and T cell effector functions has also been assessed. This review provides an update on the role of cytoskeletal networks and related molecules in the activation of T lymphocytes.