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Fig. 10. Model of signalling from the T-cell receptor. In the resting T cell, the TCR and Lck, as well as other signalling molecules, exist in small plasma membrane domains with a lipid environment excluding deactivating phosphatases. The circumference to area ratio of the domains is high so any tyrosine phosphorylated proteins within the domains quickly get dephosphorylated upon contact with the surrounding phosphatases. Upon ligation of the TCR, the domains coalesce to larger entities decreasing their circumference to area ratio, thus reducing chance encounters with surrounding phosphatases and thereby increasing the lifetime of any tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and related signalling. Upon cooling, the small domains aggregate as a result of phase separation creating large platforms for sustained signalling.
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