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Higher-order assemblies in immune signaling: supramolecular complexes and phase separation.

Shiyu XiaZhenhang ChenChen ShenTian-Min Fu
Published in: Protein & cell (2021)
Signaling pathways in innate and adaptive immunity play vital roles in pathogen recognition and the functions of immune cells. Higher-order assemblies have recently emerged as a central principle that governs immune signaling and, by extension, cellular communication in general. There are mainly two types of higher-order assemblies: 1) ordered, solid-like large supramolecular complexes formed by stable and rigid protein-protein interactions, and 2) liquid-like phase-separated condensates formed by weaker and more dynamic intermolecular interactions. This review covers key examples of both types of higher-order assemblies in major immune pathways. By placing emphasis on the molecular structures of the examples provided, we discuss how their structural organization enables elegant mechanisms of signaling regulation.
Keyphrases
  • immune response
  • signaling pathway
  • high resolution
  • candida albicans
  • cell proliferation
  • epithelial mesenchymal transition
  • oxidative stress
  • water soluble
  • single molecule
  • quantum dots