Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Human T Lymphocyte Isolation, Culture and Analysis of Migration In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2010
How T cells use LFA-1 to attach and migrate
Nancy Hogg1, Andrew Smith, Alison McDowall
1Leukocyte Adhesion Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London WC2A 3PX, UK. nancy.hogg@cancer.org.uk
Abstract:
The T lymphocyte (or T cell) has classically been perceived to be a passive circular cell attaching to other cells or fibrils of the extracellular matrix when its integrins become activated. We now understand that the modus operandi of the T cell is migration. These cells are proving to be impressively fast migrators, clocking up basal speeds of approximately 10-15 microm/min which makes them amongst the fastest movers recorded to date. Therefore, migration is the business of the T cell and in this review we will discuss how its motility is regulated and what functions this activity makes possible.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Migration
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding events provide an effective stimulus.
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Selectins
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

