Figure 7. Overview of the experimental results and a model of centrosome polarization in T cells.

Centrosome polarization in T cells is driven by dynein attached to the immunological synapse. KIF21B is a pausing and catastrophe-promoting factor that limits MT growth in T cells; its depletion results in MT overgrowth. Cells with overly long MTs experience difficulties in centrosome polarization. Reexpression of KIF21B-GFP or the application of a low-dose of MT-targeting agent vinblastine restores the centrosome polarization. Computational modeling suggests that an imbalance in MT pulling forces drives the centrosome movement along the nucleus. Overly long MTs create additional connections to the synapse, resulting in a balance of pulling forces on the two sides of the nucleus, thereby hindering centrosome translocation. Overly long MTs may also directly inhibit force generation by dynein at the synapse.