Actin dynamics at the immunological synapse

ctin dynamics at the immunological synapse Review (4782) Total Article Views Authors: Mónica Gordón-Alonso, Esteban Veiga, Francisco Sánchez-Madrid Published Date June 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 33 - 47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CHC.S9960 Mónica Gordón-Alonso, Esteban Veiga, Francisco Sánchez-Madrid Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Diego de León, Madrid, Spain Abstract: Actins are a family of highly conserved proteins that play determinant roles in a variety of biological processes including: cell shape; migration; endocytosis/exocytosis; and adhesion. The dynamics of actin polymerization and depolymerization at specific cellular locations is tightly regulated and defines the cellular roles of actin. Here, we offer a perspective on the roles played by actin regulator molecules during the formation of the immunological synapse (IS) which is defined as the structure formed by the interaction between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APC). Proper actin dynamics at the IS are absolutely necessary for correct lymphocyte activation and alterations of such actin dynamics result in immune diseases.