An introduction to LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions in T-cell motility

The inherent ability of T-cells to migrate is critical for a fully functional immune system, both in normal immune surveillance and for mounting an adaptive immune response. At the same time, inappropriate trafficking of T-cells can be a pathological factor for immune-mediated or chronic inflammatory diseases. T-cell motility is critically dependent on a series of ligand–receptor interactions, a precisely regulated intracellular signaling, an involvement of adaptor proteins, and dynamic remodeling of the cytoskeletal systems. The leukocyte integrin LFA-1 receptor present on T-cells binds to the ligand intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and this LFA-1/ICAM-1 contact acts as a trigger for T-cell motility. In this book, we present a collection of methods and protocols that are frequently used by researchers to better understand T-cell motility in health and diseases.