Membrane changes in malignant cells--modulation of receptors and antigens by lipids.

The dynamic characteristics of lipid regions in biological membranes can be expressed in terms of microviscosity parameters. These parameters not only determine the lateral and rotational movements of specific membrane sites but also their degree of exposure to the outer surrounding. Changes in microviscosity can thus reversibly displace the vertical position of antigens or receptor sites and modulate their active expression. The lipid mediated modulation of antigens and receptors may play an active role in the various physiological manifestations of malignant cells.