Plasma membrane lipids play essential roles in regulating T cell signalling, differentiation and effector functions. The major lipid species in the plasma membrane are glycerophospholipids (i.e. phosphatidylinositides, phosphatidylserine and others), sphingolipids (i.e. sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids) and sterol lipids (cholesterol and its derivatives). TCR and costimulatory molecules engagement leads to profound changes in the composition, distribution and dynamic of plasma membrane lipids, in order to achieve optimal T cell activation. For instance, cholesterol, sphingomyelin and saturated phosphocholine lipids are enriched at the contact zone between T cells and antigen presenting cells during peptide/MHC complexes recognition, where they constitute a platform of lipid domains essential for optimal T cell signalling. Glycerophospholipid provide docking sites for binding pivotal signalling proteins as well as for their conformation, portioning and mobility. Finally, plasma membrane lipids also act as second messengers with important immune-regulatory functions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to review the current understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in the metabolism and function of the three major species of plasma membrane lipids in T cells, with particular attention on how differences in the content of specific plasma membrane lipids may affect T cell signalling, function and differentiation.
In addition, in light of emerging identification of specific lipid producing and metabolizing enzymes, we also encourage the discussion regarding preclinical and/or clinical data targeting plasma membrane lipids as potential therapeutic strategy to treat immune-based diseases and cancer.
The participants are also encouraged to discuss about new lipidomic techniques for better understanding plasma membrane lipid complexity and dynamics in T cells. In order to cover all aspect in the field, our aim is to select participants with a wide range of expertise.
Plasma membrane lipids play essential roles in regulating T cell signalling, differentiation and effector functions. The major lipid species in the plasma membrane are glycerophospholipids (i.e. phosphatidylinositides, phosphatidylserine and others), sphingolipids (i.e. sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids) and sterol lipids (cholesterol and its derivatives). TCR and costimulatory molecules engagement leads to profound changes in the composition, distribution and dynamic of plasma membrane lipids, in order to achieve optimal T cell activation. For instance, cholesterol, sphingomyelin and saturated phosphocholine lipids are enriched at the contact zone between T cells and antigen presenting cells during peptide/MHC complexes recognition, where they constitute a platform of lipid domains essential for optimal T cell signalling. Glycerophospholipid provide docking sites for binding pivotal signalling proteins as well as for their conformation, portioning and mobility. Finally, plasma membrane lipids also act as second messengers with important immune-regulatory functions.
The aim of this Research Topic is to review the current understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in the metabolism and function of the three major species of plasma membrane lipids in T cells, with particular attention on how differences in the content of specific plasma membrane lipids may affect T cell signalling, function and differentiation.
In addition, in light of emerging identification of specific lipid producing and metabolizing enzymes, we also encourage the discussion regarding preclinical and/or clinical data targeting plasma membrane lipids as potential therapeutic strategy to treat immune-based diseases and cancer.
The participants are also encouraged to discuss about new lipidomic techniques for better understanding plasma membrane lipid complexity and dynamics in T cells. In order to cover all aspect in the field, our aim is to select participants with a wide range of expertise.
