T cell activation and immune synapse organization respond to the microscale mechanics of structured surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Cells have the remarkable ability to sense the mechanical stiffness of their surroundings. This has been studied extensively in the context of cells interacting with planar surfaces, a conceptually elegant model that also has application in biomaterial design. However, physiological interfaces are spatially complex, exhibiting topographical features that are described over multiple scales. This report explores mechanosensing of microstructured elastomer surfaces by CD4⁺ T cells, key mediators of the adaptive immune response. We show that T cells form complex interactions with elastomer micropillar arrays, extending processes into spaces between structures and forming local areas of contraction and expansion dictated by the layout of microtubules within this interface. Conversely

SUBMITTER: Jin W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6778209 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature