Abstract
Upon maturation, dendritic cells (DCs) acquire the unique ability to activate naïve T cells. We used time-lapse video microscopy and two-photon imaging of intact lymph nodes to show that after establishing initial contact between their dendrites and naïve T lymphocytes, mature DCs migrate toward the contacted lymphocytes. Subsequently, the DCs tightly entrap the T cells within a complex net of membrane extensions. The Rho family guanosine triphosphatases Rac1 and Rac2 but not Rho itself control the formation of dendrites in mature DCs, their polarized short-range migration toward T cells, and T cell priming.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology
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Cell Communication
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Cell Polarity
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Cell Surface Extensions / physiology
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Cell Surface Extensions / ultrastructure
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Cytoskeleton / physiology
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Dendritic Cells / physiology*
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Dendritic Cells / ultrastructure
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Lymphocyte Activation*
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Microscopy, Video
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RAC2 GTP-Binding Protein
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rac GTP-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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rac GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
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rac GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
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rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / genetics
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rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
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rho GTP-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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rac GTP-Binding Proteins
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rac1 GTP-Binding Protein
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rho GTP-Binding Proteins