A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Three-dimensional localization of T-cell receptors in relation to microvilli using a combination of superresolution microscopies
Authors: Jung YM, Riven I, Feigelson SW, Kartvelishvily E, Tohya K, Miyasaka M, Alon R, Haran G
Publisher: NATL ACAD SCIENCES
Publication year: 2016
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Journal name in source: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Journal acronym: P NATL ACAD SCI USA
Volume: 113
Issue: 40
First page : E5916
Last page: E5924
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 0027-8424
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1605399113
Abstract
Leukocyte microvilli are flexible projections enriched with adhesion molecules. The role of these cellular projections in the ability of T cells to probe antigen-presenting cells has been elusive. In this study, we probe the spatial relation of microvilli and T-cell receptors (TCRs), the major molecules responsible for antigen recognition on the T-cell membrane. To this end, an effective and robust methodology for mapping membrane protein distribution in relation to the 3D surface structure of cells is introduced, based on two complementary superresolution microscopies. Strikingly, TCRs are found to be highly localized on microvilli, in both peripheral blood human T cells and differentiated effector T cells, and are barely found on the cell body. This is a decisive demonstration that different types of T cells universally localize their TCRs to microvilli, immediately pointing to these surface projections as effective sensors for antigenic moieties. This finding also suggests how previously reported membrane clusters might form, with microvilli serving as anchors for specific T-cell surface molecules.
Leukocyte microvilli are flexible projections enriched with adhesion molecules. The role of these cellular projections in the ability of T cells to probe antigen-presenting cells has been elusive. In this study, we probe the spatial relation of microvilli and T-cell receptors (TCRs), the major molecules responsible for antigen recognition on the T-cell membrane. To this end, an effective and robust methodology for mapping membrane protein distribution in relation to the 3D surface structure of cells is introduced, based on two complementary superresolution microscopies. Strikingly, TCRs are found to be highly localized on microvilli, in both peripheral blood human T cells and differentiated effector T cells, and are barely found on the cell body. This is a decisive demonstration that different types of T cells universally localize their TCRs to microvilli, immediately pointing to these surface projections as effective sensors for antigenic moieties. This finding also suggests how previously reported membrane clusters might form, with microvilli serving as anchors for specific T-cell surface molecules.
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