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Elucidating the rules for receptor triggering in cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts requires precise control of ligand positioning in three dimensions. Here, we use the T cell receptor (TCR) as a model and subject T cells to different geometric arrangements of ligands, using a nanofabricated single-molecule array platform. This comprises monovalent TCR ligands anchored to lithographically patterned nanoparticle clusters surrounded by mobile adhesion molecules on a supported lipid bilayer. The TCR ligand could be co-planar with the supported lipid bilayer (2D), excluding the CD45 transmembrane tyrosine phosphatase, or elevated by 10 nm on solid nanopedestals (3D), allowing closer access of CD45 to engaged TCR. The two configurations resulted in different T cell responses, depending on the lateral spacing between the ligands. These results identify the important contributions of lateral and axial components of ligand positioning and create a more complete foundation for receptor engineering for immunotherapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s41565-018-0113-3

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Nanotechnol

Publication Date

07/2018

Volume

13

Pages

610 - 617

Keywords

Equipment Design, Humans, Immobilized Proteins, Leukocyte Common Antigens, Ligands, Lipid Bilayers, Microarray Analysis, Nanostructures, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, T-Lymphocytes