Abstract
High resolution microscopic images of immune cells contacting other cells have revealed temporary membrane structures similar to the 'synapse' connection nerve cells for communication. The investigations of these immune cell synapses focus on mechanisms that might control the configuration and how the structures modulate communication between cells. Scientists know that immune cells secreted protein molecules called cytokines to interact with other types of cells. The real time interactions of individual immune cells is a new avenue for understanding how they share and process information to defend the body against disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 48-55 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Scientific American |
| Volume | 294 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2006 |