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Ligation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) stimulates protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), which regulate intracellular calcium and control the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes. PTKs activated by antigen receptors and costimulatory molecules also couple to phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and control the activity of Ras- and Rho-family GTPases. T cell signal transduction is triggered physiologically by antigen in the context of antigen presenting cells (APC). The formation of stable and prolonged contacts between T cells and APCs is not necessary to initiate T cell signaling but is required for effective T cell proliferation and differentiation. The stabilization of the T cell/ APC conjugate is regulated by intracellular signals induced by antigen receptors and costimulators. These coordinate the regulation of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton and organize a specialized signaling zone that allows sustained TCR signaling.

Original publication

DOI

10.1146/annurev.immunol.18.1.165

Type

Journal article

Journal

Annu Rev Immunol

Publication Date

2000

Volume

18

Pages

165 - 184

Keywords

Cytoskeleton, Humans, Lymphocyte Activation, Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, Signal Transduction, T-Lymphocytes