Influence of lipid rafts on pattern formation during T-cell adhesion

Abstract Adhesion of T cells to antigen presenting is mediated by the TCR–MHCp and LFA1–ICAM1 protein complexes. These intercellular complexes segregate form characteristic special patterns in cell contact zone. Previous studies have attempted explain mechanisms formation these patterns. While emphasis has been put on membrane elasticity active cytoskeletal transport, it remains unclear whether how pattern process related lipid rafts, which are nanoscale molecular clusters enriched cholesterol saturated phospholipids membranes. Using Monte Carlo simulations a statistical mechanical model for T-cell adhesion, we find that rafts can lead intermediate with ring around central domain even absence transport receptor (TCR) molecules toward center In presence TCR accelerate this monocentric pattern. We also strong stabilizing effect after removal transport. Our results not only help recent experimental observations, but demonstrate cooperate during immunological synapse formation.