The impact of T cell Immunological synaptosomes (TISs) in cancer immunity

Abstract

T-cell microvilli, specialized structures responsible for detecting antigens on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), emerge as key players in immune responses. These finger-shaped microvilli are enriched with various signaling related proteins, functioning as signaling platforms that trigger intracellular signaling cascades. Notably, our previous research unveiled the release of T-cell microvilli, including T cell receptors (TCRs) and other molecules, in the form of vesicles termed T cell microvilli particles (TMP) during immune responses and called this phenomenon, “trogocytic-molting”. Importantly, these TMPs, carrying a multitude of signaling-related proteins, can be transferred to APCs, effectively activating them as demonstrated in our in vitro experiments. Motivated by these observations, we conducted in vivo experiments involving the administration of TMP to mice, aiming to induce the formation of adaptive immunity mediated by TMP and leading to anticancer effects. Remarkably, T-cell microvilli particles act as carriers of essential messages from T cells to their cognate partners, leading us to define these particles as T-cell immunological synaptosomes (TISs). Collectively, these studies contribute to our understanding of the functional significance of T cell microvilli. Their exceptional ability to sense antigens and function as signaling platforms, along with their role in transmitting messages to APCs and promoting adaptive immunity, emphasizes their potential as therapeutic agents in cancer research. Additionally, the characterization of T-cell microvilli particles as T-cell immunological synaptosomes (TISs) further highlight their crucial role in mediating cellular communication and immune responses.