Engineering T cells to enhance 3D migration through structurally and mechanically complex tumor microenvironments.

ABSTRACT: Defining the principles of T cell migration in structurally and mechanically complex tumor microenvironments is critical to understanding escape from antitumor immunity and optimizing T cell-related therapeutic strategies. Here, we engineered nanotextured elastic platforms to study and enhance T cell migration through complex microenvironments and define how the balance between contractility localization-dependent T cell phenotypes influences migration in response to tumor-mimetic structural and mechanical cues. Using these platforms, we characterize a mechanical optimum for migration that can be perturbed by manipulating an axis between microtubule stability and force generation. In 3D environments and live tumors, we demonstrate that microtubule instability, leading to increased Rho path

SUBMITTER: Tabdanov ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8121808 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature