What is an immunological synapse?

Immunological synapse, also called immune synapses, is the space between the antigen and the antibody that exists when these two molecules are connected. The antibody is able to supply chemicals to the antigen through this synapsis. These chemicals are used to initiate a chain of chemical reactions that lead to the destruction of the antigen.

There are two types of macromolecules or large molecules connected to the immunological synapse. One of them is an antibody, a type of immune cell called lymphocyte produced in animals, including humans. The second molecule is known as antigen. Antigens are considered hostile in living organisms and can be a number of different things, including proteins, bacteria and viruses and harmless molecules such as pollen or other allergens. Antibodies are attracted to antigens to destroy them and prevent illness or infection in the body.

The process of removing the antigen from the organism rvyjejeje a number of steps. First, the antibody is attracted by the antigen. As soonIláta releases chemicals that travel immunological synapses until they reach the antigen. These molecules bind to the surface of the antigen, trigger a chain of chemical reactions and eventually destroy a foreign body. Once lymphocytes release the chemical to the antigen surface, it moves from the antigen and eliminates the immunological synapses.

Synapse between antigens and antibodies are similar to those between the nerve cells. The participating spaces are very small, often less than 1 microns (0.0001 cm). Antigen and antibody never actually touches while the antibody sends chemicals through immunological synapses. Once connected to the antigen, the antibody releases strong toxins called cytokines. The binding closely to antigen prevents the spread of cytokines to other parts of the body where other cells could damage.

Each antibody can only bind to one antigen at a time. However, it is possible for several antibodies to connect to STejny antigen. Antigen with multiple antibodies attached to it can be neutralized faster.

Initial research by immunological synapse has been completed by several different scientists. Abraham Kupfer discovered a synapse. Michael Dustin saw that the space between two macromolecules worked similarly to the synapses between the nerve cells, and named the immunological synapins. The discovery was declared in 1995.