Lipid rafts and the initiation of T cell receptor signaling

The role of lipid rafts in T cell signalling has recently been extensively studied and hotly debated. In this review we wish to present recent advances in the study of lipid rafts with regards to the initiation of TCR signal transduction. We also wish to clarify some common misconceptions regarding certain models and experimental methods reported in the literature. Based on the relevant data supporting the functional importance of lipid rafts in early TCR mediated signalling events, we propose a model for TCR signal initiation involving a “TCR signalosome” organized in a specific raft subset, which is highly dynamic and evolving upon TCR activation.