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Understanding the broad variety of functions encoded in cellular membranes requires experimental systems mimicking both their biochemical composition and biophysical properties. Here, we review the interplay between membrane components and the physical properties of the plasma membrane worth considering for biomimetic studies. Later, we discuss the main advantages and caveats of different model membrane systems. We further expand on how the use of model systems has contributed to the understanding of immune cell signaling, with a specific focus on the immunological synapse. We discuss the similarities of immune synapses observed for innate and adaptive immune cells and focus on the physical principles underlying these similarities.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/febs.15488

Type

Journal article

Journal

FEBS J

Publication Date

02/2021

Volume

288

Pages

1070 - 1090

Keywords

giant vesicles, immune synapse, model membranes, reconstitution, supported lipid bilayers, Animals, B-Lymphocytes, Cell Membrane, Humans, Immunological Synapses, Lipid Bilayers, Membrane Proteins, Phagocytes, Signal Transduction, T-Lymphocytes