Immunological synapse

The immunological synapse is a highly organized and dynamic interface formed at the point of contact between a cytotoxic immune cell (such as a cytotoxic T lymphocyte or natural killer cell) and a target cell, such as a tumor cell. It is not a single molecule but a multiprotein structure composed of antigen receptors (e.g., T cell receptor), adhesion molecules, co-stimulatory/checkpoint receptors, and cytoskeletal elements from both the immune and tumor cell sides. The synapse mediates recognition, signaling, and targeted cytotoxicity. Recent research shows tumor cells can remodel their actin cytoskeleton and secrete vesicles at the synapse, potentially contributing to immune evasion. The structure and function of the immunological synapse are central to the effectiveness of many immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. This entry should be flagged as not being a specific molecular target, but rather an important conceptual and structural entity in tumor immunology.

Other names

Immune synapseImmunologic synapseISLytic synapse

Modulation of immune synapse formation (checkpoint blockade enhances T cell effector functions at the synapse); Enhancing immune cell activation or cytotoxicity through engagement or stabilization of the immunological synapse (e.g., BiTEs crosslink T cells and tumor antigens to promote synapse structure)