End-binding protein 1 controls signal propagation from the T cell receptor

The role of microtubules (MTs) in the control and dynamics of the immune synapse (IS) remains unresolved. Here, we show that T cell activation requires the growth of MTs mediated by the plus-end specific protein end-binding 1 (EB1). A direct interaction of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex with EB1 provides the molecular basis for EB1 activity promoting TCR encounter with signalling vesicles at the IS. EB1 knockdown alters TCR dynamics at the IS and prevents propagation of the TCR activation signal to LAT, thus inhibiting activation of PLC gamma 1 and its localization to the IS. These results identify a role for EB1 interaction with the TCR in controlling TCR sorting and its connection with the LAT/PLC gamma 1 signalosome. The EMBO Journal (2012) 31, 4140-4152. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2012.242; Published online 24 August 2012