BIOSS
Centre for Biological Signalling Studies

CCR5 deficiency impairs CD4+ T-cell memory responses and antigenic sensitivity through increased ceramide synthesis

Martín-Leal A, Blanco R, Casas J, Sáez ME, Rodríguez-Bovolenta E, de Rojas I, Drechsler C, Real LM, Fabrias G, Ruíz A, Castro M, Schamel WW, Alarcón B, van Santen HM, Mañes S.

EMBO J. 2020;39(15):e104749

EMBO J.                      online article

How the sensitivity of cells towards stimulation by a certain ligand is regulated on the molecular level is often not well understood. In this highly collaborative publication, we found that the lipid ceramide plays an important role in regulating the sensitivity with which T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) are stimulated. In fact, ceramide inhibits the formation of TCR nanoclusters and thereby dampens T cell responses.