Cellular lipid membranes of antigen-presenting and immune cells

The cellular lipid membranes of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and immune cells are dynamic phospholipid bilayers that serve as the essential structural platform for immune signaling and pathogen recognition [1]. These membranes are characterized by specialized microdomains known as lipid rafts, rich in cholesterol and sphingolipids, which orchestrate the assembly of the immunological synapse by clustering receptors such as the T-cell receptor (TCR) and MHC molecules [2][3]. In the context of the tumor microenvironment, these membranes often undergo lipid remodeling, such as the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), which acts as a global immunosuppressive signal to inhibit the activity of macrophages and dendritic cells [4]. Therapeutic targeting of these membranes involves the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of mRNA vaccines, where the lipids facilitate endosomal escape and intracellular release [5]. Additionally, certain monoclonal antibodies target specific membrane lipids or lipid-binding proteins to restore immune surveillance in oncology [6]. Despite their therapeutic potential, targeting lipid membranes presents significant challenges due to the risk of off-target effects on non-immune cells and the potential for systemic toxicity [7]. Sources: [1] Maxfield, F. R., & Tabas, I. (2005). Role of cholesterol and lipid organization in disease. Nature. [2] Gaus, K., et al. (2005). Visualizing lipid structure and organization in living cells. Molecular Membrane Biology. [3] Varshney, S., et al. (2016). Lipid rafts as signaling hubs in immune cells. Frontiers in Immunology. [4] Birge, R. B., et al. (2016). Phosphatidylserine is a global immunosuppressive signal and immune checkpoint. Cell Death & Differentiation. [5] Hou, X., et al. (2021). Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Nature Reviews Materials. [6] Gerber, D. E., et al. (2011). Bavituximab: a phosphatidylserine-targeting agent. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. [7] Senior, J. H. (1987). Fate and behavior of liposomes in vivo. Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems.

Other names

Immune cell plasma membraneLeukocyte lipid bilayerImmunological synapse membraneLipid rafts of immune cellsAntigen-presenting cell membrane

Modulation of membrane fluidity, organization of signaling microdomains (lipid rafts), and facilitation of endocytosis or membrane fusion for the delivery of therapeutic payloads.