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The immunological synapse formed between a T-cell and an antigen-presenting cell is important for cell-cell communication during T-cell-mediated immune responses. Immunological synapse formation begins with stimulation of the T-cell receptor (TCR). TCR microclusters are assembled and transported to the center of the immunological synapse in an actin polymerization-dependent process. However, the physical link between TCR and actin remains elusive. Here we show that lymphocyte-specific Crk-associated substrate (Cas-L), a member of a force sensing protein family, is required for transport of TCR microclusters and for establishing synapse stability. We found that Cas-L is phosphorylated at TCR microclusters in an actin polymerization-dependent fashion. Furthermore, Cas-L participates in a positive feedback loop leading to amplification of Ca2+ signaling, inside-out integrin activation, and actomyosin contraction. We propose a new role for Cas-L in T-cell activation as a mechanical transducer linking TCR microclusters to the underlying actin network and coordinating multiple actin-dependent structures in the immunological synapse. Our studies highlight the importance of mechanotransduction processes in T-cell-mediated immune responses.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/icb.2016.61

Type

Journal article

Journal

Immunol Cell Biol

Publication Date

11/2016

Volume

94

Pages

981 - 993

Keywords

Actins, Animals, Calcium, Cell Adhesion, Crk-Associated Substrate Protein, Immunological Synapses, Integrins, Lymphocyte Activation, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Models, Immunological, Phosphorylation, Polymerization, Protein Transport, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, T-Lymphocytes