Boltzmann Energy-based Image Analysis Demonstrates that Extracellular Domain Size Differences Explain Protein Segregation at Immune Synapses
Figure 3
Schematic of energy processes underpinning patternation by size (for the NK synapse).
Regions of close contact (from left), intermediate and large separation are shown, illustrating effects on ligand-receptor binding and ICAM1 density. Far right, free surface of target cell with freely diffusing HLA-Cw6 and ICAM1. Below are illustrated the relative exclusion energies (chemical potentials) experienced by the KIR/HLA-Cw6 complex and ICAM1 respectively. Elastic springs are shown, the flexibility in the membrane support allowing complexes to form by pulling the membranes and ICAM1 to locally push the membranes apart.