The Immune Synapse as a Novel Target for Therapy (Progress in Inflammation Research)

It is now accepted that T cell activation by an antigen-presenting cell requires the organization of a supramolecular structure – the immune synapse. This structure, with different types of molecules spatially segregated, is involved in the delivery of quantitative and qualitative signals critical for T cell activation, and therefore in controlling the nature of the immune response. This volume discusses the progress in manipulating components of the immune synapse as a strategy to regulate the immune response in immune pathology, such as transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy. Donnadieu reviews the current knowledge on the molecular composition and organization of the immune synapse and how the formation of this structure can be modulated by chemokines. It is also known that the immune synapse formation is critical for the activation of naive T cells, as well as their functional polarization. The second chapter discusses the conversion of naive T cells into regulatory T cells (Treg) when components of the immune synapse are manipulated in such a way that the T cells receive suboptimal activation signals.

The immune synapse can be compared to a molecular machine that controls T cell activation when getting in contact with an antigen-presenting cell (APC). The immune synapse is involved in the transfer of information across the T cell–APC junction. It plays an essential role in the control and nature of the immune response.

In recent years several approaches have been developed to reprogram the immune response by targeting molecules involved in the immune synapse. Monoclonal antibodies, such as those targeting the lymphocyte co-receptor, costimulatory and adhesion molecules (CD3, CD4, CD40L, CTLA4-Ig, LFA-1), or altered peptide ligands have been shown capable of inducing immune tolerance in transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy.

This volume discusses the progress in the field, from basic science to clinical trials, and the major mechanisms involved. It is of interest to clinicians and researchers working in this area.