3D computational modeling and simulation of leukocyte rolling adhesion and deformation

A 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model is presented to simulate transient rolling adhesion and deformation of leukocytes over a P-selectin coated surface in shear flow. The computational model is based on immersed boundary method for cell deformation, and stochastic Monte Carlo simulation for receptor/ligand interaction. The model is shown to predict the characteristic 'stop-and-go' motion of rolling leukocytes. Here we examine the effect of cell deformation, shear rate, and microvilli distribution on the rolling characteristics. Comparison with experimental measurements is presented throughout the article. We observe that compliant cells roll more stably, and have longer pause times due to reduced bond force and increased bond lifetime. Microvilli presentation is shown to affect rolling characteristics by altering the step size, but not pause times. Our simulations predict a significant sideway motion of the cell arising purely due to receptor/ligand interaction, and discrete nature of microvilli distribution. Adhesion is seen to occur via multiple tethers, each of which forms multiple selectin bonds, but often one tether is sufficient to support rolling. The adhesion force is concentrated in only 1-3 tethered microvilli in the rear-most part of a cell. We also observe that the number of selectin bonds that hold the cell effectively against hydrodynamic shear is significantly less than the total adhesion bonds formed between a cell and the substrate. The force loading on individual microvillus and selectin bond is not continuous, rather occurs in steps. Further, we find that the peak force on a tethered microvillus is much higher than that measured to cause tether extrusion.