Figures & data
Figure 1. Comparing co-stimulation, temperature elevation and isothermal membrane fluidization effects on T cell activation threshold. CD4+ T cells need co-stimulation via CD28 receptors for sufficient survival, activation and IL-2 production. Fever-range heat and isothermal membrane fluidization by 0.05% EtOH induce similar membrane alterations as CD28 ligation, including GM1 clustering and fluidization in the membrane of T lymphocytes. Both mild heat and EtOH exposures are sufficient to result in enhanced T cell activation via their membrane perturbing effect.
