From synapses to immunological memory: the role of sustained T cell stimulation

A Lanzavecchia, F Sallusto - Current Opinion in Immunology, 2000 - Elsevier
Current Opinion in Immunology, 2000Elsevier
T cell activation is a sustained process driven by antigen and cytokines, which results in the
generation of large numbers of effector and memory cells. Recent experiments from different
fields have shed light on the mechanisms that maintain the signaling process at the level of
a single synapse between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell, as well as at the level of a
secondary lymphoid organ, in the course of the immune response. These findings explain
the unique capacity of the immune system to discriminate between antigens from infectious …
T cell activation is a sustained process driven by antigen and cytokines, which results in the generation of large numbers of effector and memory cells. Recent experiments from different fields have shed light on the mechanisms that maintain the signaling process at the level of a single synapse between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell, as well as at the level of a secondary lymphoid organ, in the course of the immune response. These findings explain the unique capacity of the immune system to discriminate between antigens from infectious and noninfectious agents.
Elsevier