Role of ICAM-3 in the initial interaction of T lymphocytes and APCs

Antigen-independent adhesive interactions between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are essential for scanning for specific antigens on the APC surface and for initiating the immune response. Here we show, through time-lapse imaging of live cells, that the intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3, also known as CD50) is clustered specifically at the region of the T lymphocyte surface that initiates contact with APCs. We describe the role of ICAM-3 in T cell-APC conjugate formation before antigen recognition, in early intracellular signaling and in cytoskeletal rearrangement. Our data indicate that ICAM-3 is important in the initial scanning of the APC surface by T cells and, therefore, in generating the immune response.