Probing the biomechanical contribution of the endothelium to lymphocyte migration: diapedesis by the path of least resistance.

ABSTRACT: Immune cell trafficking requires the frequent breaching of the endothelial barrier either directly through individual cells ('transcellular' route) or through the inter-endothelial junctions ('paracellular' route). What determines the loci or route of breaching events is an open question with important implications for overall barrier regulation. We hypothesized that basic biomechanical properties of the endothelium might serve as crucial determinants of this process. By altering junctional integrity, cytoskeletal morphology and, consequently, local endothelial cell stiffness of different vascular beds, we could modify the preferred route of diapedesis. In particular, high barrier function was associated with predominantly transcellular migration, whereas negative modulation of junctional

SUBMITTER: Martinelli R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4150060 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature