| First Author | Hu KH | Year | 2016 |
| Journal | J Cell Biol | Volume | 213 |
| Issue | 5 | Pages | 535-42 |
| PubMed ID | 27241914 | Mgi Jnum | J:236811 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5807311 | Doi | 10.1083/jcb.201511053 |
| Citation | Hu KH, et al. (2016) T cell activation requires force generation. J Cell Biol 213(5):535-42 |
| abstractText | Triggering of the T cell receptor (TCR) integrates both binding kinetics and mechanical forces. To understand the contribution of the T cell cytoskeleton to these forces, we triggered T cells using a novel application of atomic force microscopy (AFM). We presented antigenic stimulation using the AFM cantilever while simultaneously imaging with optical microscopy and measuring forces on the cantilever. T cells respond forcefully to antigen after calcium flux. All forces and calcium responses were abrogated upon treatment with an F-actin inhibitor. When we emulated the forces of the T cell using the AFM cantilever, even these actin-inhibited T cells became activated. Purely mechanical stimulation was not sufficient; the exogenous forces had to couple through the TCR. These studies suggest a mechanical-chemical feedback loop in which TCR-triggered T cells generate forceful contacts with antigen-presenting cells to improve access to antigen. |
