Membrane Compartments in Immune Cell Signaling and Trafficking

Abstract

Cells of the immune system detect and respond to the presence of foreign antigens by signaling through an array of receptors, which include the multichain immune recognition receptor (MIRR) family. Stimulated changes in membrane architecture, which includes protein and lipid segregation within membranes as well as membrane trafficking, regulate these cellular responses. We provide a brief overview of MIRR signaling, which focuses on signaling through the IgE receptor in mast cells, and we highlight specific examples in which membrane compartmentalization plays a role in this signaling pathway. We summarize biochemical methods used to isolate and characterize membrane subdomains. Finally, we discuss cross‐correlation microscopy methods, application of antigen‐patterned surfaces, and fluorescence‐based trafficking assays to study dynamics of stimulated proteins interactions and membrane trafficking.