Anergy in CD4 memory T lymphocytes. II. Abrogation of TCR-induced formation of membrane signaling complexes

► A bacterial toxin (SEB) causes Fyn kinase-dependent memory CD4 T cell inactivation (anergy). ► We show that a memory cell anergy is associated with a failure to build productive immune synapses. ► SEB-mediated TCR signaling promotes TCR and Lck kinase recruitment to the mature immune synapse. ► We show a defect in the recruitment of ZAP-70 to the c-SMAC and a failure of ZAP-70 to migrate to lipid rafts. ► Fyn-deficient memory cells are able to recruit ZAP-70 to lipid rafts and to the c-SMAC.