Figure 3. Schematic representation of the mechanistic model for 2C T cell absorption of the pMVs.

The whole process of the pMV-absorption commences as 2C TCRs interact with cognate pMHCs expressed on the pMVs. The TCR/pMHC interaction activates intracellular signaling cascades (i.e., “inside-out” signaling) resulting in promotion of LFA-1 function and thereby stabilization of T/pMV contact. According to that model, the pMV-absorption can be inhibited by three different routes: (i) interruption of TCR/pMHC interaction, (ii) interruption of LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction, (iii) inhibition of intracellular signaling cascades for LFA-1 activation.