Dynamic Microtubule Arrays in Leukocytes and Their Role in Cell Migration and Immune Synapse Formation

Kopf A, Kiermaier E (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 9

Article Number: 635511

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635511

Abstract

The organization of microtubule arrays in immune cells is critically important for a properly operating immune system. Leukocytes are white blood cells of hematopoietic origin, which exert effector functions of innate and adaptive immune responses. During these processes the microtubule cytoskeleton plays a crucial role for establishing cell polarization and directed migration, targeted secretion of vesicles for T cell activation and cellular cytotoxicity as well as the maintenance of cell integrity. Considering this large spectrum of distinct effector functions, leukocytes require flexible microtubule arrays, which timely and spatially reorganize allowing the cells to accommodate their specific tasks. In contrast to other specialized cell types, which typically nucleate microtubule filaments from non-centrosomal microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs), leukocytes mainly utilize centrosomes for sites of microtubule nucleation. Yet, MTOC localization as well as microtubule organization and dynamics are highly plastic in leukocytes thus allowing the cells to adapt to different environmental constraints. Here we summarize our current knowledge on microtubule organization and dynamics during immune processes and how these microtubule arrays affect immune cell effector functions. We particularly highlight emerging concepts of microtubule involvement during maintenance of cell shape and physical coherence.

Involved external institutions

CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine (CeMM) AT Austria (AT) Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Kopf, A., & Kiermaier, E. (2021). Dynamic Microtubule Arrays in Leukocytes and Their Role in Cell Migration and Immune Synapse Formation. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.635511

MLA:

Kopf, Aglaja, and Eva Kiermaier. "Dynamic Microtubule Arrays in Leukocytes and Their Role in Cell Migration and Immune Synapse Formation." Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9 (2021).

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