Neural and Immunological Synaptic Relations

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 298; no. 5594; pp. 785 - 789
• Main Authors: Dustin, Michael L., Colman, David R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Association for the Advancement of Science 25.10.2002; The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: Anatomy; Animals; Antigen-Presenting Cells - immunology; Antigen-Presenting Cells - physiology; B lymphocytes; Cadherins - physiology; Cell Adhesion; Cell Communication; Cellular biology; Central nervous system; Central Nervous System - physiology; Central Nervous System - ultrastructure; Communication (Thought Transfer); Daughter cells; Endocytosis; Exocytosis; Immune system; Immunological synapses; Immunology; Information Storage; Integrins - physiology; Lymphocyte Activation; Memory; Molecules; Nervous system; Neurology; Neurons; Neurons - physiology; Neurophysiology; Receptors; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell - physiology; Synapses; Synapses - physiology; T cell antigen receptors; T lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - physiology; Viewpoints
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.1076386

A synapse is a stable adhesive junction between two cells across which information is relayed by directed secretion. The nervous system and immune system utilize these specialized cell surface contacts to directly convey and transduce highly controlled secretory signals between their constituent cell populations. Each of these synaptic types is built around a microdomain structure comprising central active zones of exocytosis and endocytosis encircled by adhesion domains. Surface molecules that may be incorporated into and around the active zones contribute to modulation of the functional state of the synapse.