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Published on: October 2, 2012
Migration of T cells on surfaces containing complex nanotopography
Keon Woo Kwon1, Hyoungjun Park, Junsang Doh
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|September 27, 2013
Summary
T cell migration is influenced by nanoscale surface topography. Acute turning angles on zigzag patterns impede T cell movement, highlighting the critical role of lamellipodia in navigating complex environments.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Biophysics
Background:
- T cells are crucial for adaptive immunity, requiring navigation through complex tissue microenvironments.
- Previous studies show T cell migration is guided by tissue microstructures with nanoscale topography.
- The impact of complex nanotopographical structures on T cell migration remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the effects of nanoscale zigzag topographical structures on T cell migration.
- To determine how varying side lengths and turning angles of zigzag patterns influence T cell motility.
- To elucidate the role of lamellipodia in T cell navigation on patterned surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of surfaces with nanoscale zigzag structures using UV-assisted capillary force lithography.
- Analysis of T cell motility on zigzag patterned surfaces with varying side lengths and turning angles.
- Inhibition of lamellipodia formation using the Arp2/3 inhibitor CK-636 to assess its impact on T cell migration.
Main Results:
- T cell motility was primarily affected by the turning angle, not the side length, of zigzag structures.
- Obtuse turning angles allowed smooth T cell traversal, while acute angles led to migration along pattern interfaces.
- Inhibition of lamellipodia formation resulted in T cells becoming trapped at acute turning angle interfaces.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale topographical features, particularly turning angles, significantly influence T cell migration patterns.
- Acute turning angles on zigzag patterns impede T cell movement, causing cells to follow interfaces.
- Thin, wide lamellipodia are critical for T cell motility and navigation within complex topographical microenvironments.
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