Abstract
Imaging technology has undergone rapid growth with the development of super resolution microscopy, which enables resolution below the diffraction barrier of light (~200 nm). In addition, new techniques for single molecule imaging are being added to the cell biologist’s arsenal. Immunologists have exploited these techniques to advance understanding of NK biology, particularly that of the immune synapse. The immune synapse’s relatively small size and complex architecture combined with its exquisitely controlled signaling milieu have made it a challenge to visualize. In this review we highlight and discuss new insights into NK cell immune synapse formation and regulation revealed by cutting edge imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy, high-resolution total internal reflection microscopy, and Förster resonance energy transfer.
Highlights
Immunologists have long been innovators in imaging technology due to the challenges of visualizing the microarchitecture of immune cells and, more recently, the immunological synapse (IS)
In this review we highlight and discuss new insights into NK cell immune synapse formation and regulation revealed by cutting edge imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy, high-resolution total internal reflection microscopy, and Förster resonance energy transfer
3D confocal images of both cytotoxic T lymphocyte and NK cell immune synapses suggested a thick ring of cortical actin surrounding a central void through which lytic granules were secreted (Stinchcombe et al, 2001; Orange et al, 2003)
Summary
Immunologists have long been innovators in imaging technology due to the challenges of visualizing the microarchitecture of immune cells and, more recently, the immunological synapse (IS). In this review we highlight and discuss new insights into NK cell immune synapse formation and regulation revealed by cutting edge imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy, high-resolution total internal reflection microscopy, and Förster resonance energy transfer. Even prior to the development of super resolution systems, important insights have been made using highly spatially and temporally resolved techniques including total internal reflection microscopy (TIRFm) and Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET).
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