Computational modeling of cell adhesion and movement using a continuum-kinetics approach

Understanding how cells adhere and move remains a challenge due to the complex interplay of multiple scales. Prior work has established that leukocyte adhesion involves molecular interactions and macroscopic transport. However, current models often lack integration of full cellular information. This gap motivated the development of a new computational framework. Existing studies have shown that cell shape and internal structures influence adhesion behavior. Yet, no prior work had resolved how these properties interact across scales. The need for a model that captures both macroscopic and microscopic behaviors is clear. This paper introduces a novel approach to bridge these scales. Prior research has shown that intracellular viscosity and interfacial tension affect cell movement. This study builds on that knowledge to explore new mechanisms.

The aim of this research is to develop a multiscale computational model for cell adhesion and movement. The study addresses the challenge of integrating molecular and macroscopic behaviors in leukocyte adhesion. The specific problem involves capturing dynamic cell shape changes and bond interactions. The motivation stems from the lack of models that use full cellular data. This approach allows for continuous shape deformation during adhesion processes. The model incorporates both macroscopic transport and nanoscale bond mechanics. The goal is to assess how cell rheological properties influence adhesion. This study proposes a framework that can simulate rolling and deformation under shear flows.

The model uses a continuum representation of field equations for macroscopic behavior. A moving boundary tracking method allows cells to change shape continuously. At the receptor-ligand level, bonds are modeled as springs to represent mechanical interactions. The model integrates macroscale and nanoscale behaviors interactively during computation. The approach simulates a cell rolling and deforming under shear flow conditions. The simulation includes intracellular viscosity and interfacial tension as key parameters. The model is validated against existing numerical and experimental results. This method enables the study of how cell structure affects adhesion dynamics.

The model confirms existing numerical and experimental findings on cell adhesion. Intracellular viscosity and interfacial tension are shown to directly affect cell rolling. The presence of a nucleus increases bond lifetime and decreases rolling velocity. Cells with larger diameters roll faster and exhibit shorter bond lifetimes. These findings suggest that cell rheological properties influence adhesion processes. The study shows that prior assumptions about adhesion may be incomplete. The model reveals that cell size and internal structure significantly affect adhesion. These results provide new insights into how cells interact with substrates.

The study concludes that cell rheological properties have significant effects on adhesion processes. The model demonstrates that intracellular viscosity and interfacial tension influence cell rolling. The presence of a nucleus increases bond lifetime and decreases rolling velocity. Larger cell diameters are associated with faster rolling and shorter bond lifetimes. These findings challenge prior assumptions about adhesion mechanisms. The model provides a framework for integrating multiscale behaviors in cell adhesion. The results suggest that cell structure and size play critical roles in adhesion dynamics. This study proposes that cell rheology must be considered in adhesion modeling.