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Dielectrophoretic characterization of dendritic cell deformability upon maturation
Anoop Menachery1, Jiranuwat Sapudom2, Abhishek Vembadi3
1Institute of Engineering & Transport, Electrical & Electronics, Malta College for Arts, Science & Technology, Malta.
Biotechniques
|November 3, 2020
Summary
We developed a rapid dielectrophoresis technique to measure the mechanical properties of dendritic cells. This method reveals a direct link between F-actin activity and cell deformability, crucial for understanding immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cell maturation alters stiffness and migration, impacting T-cell activation and adaptive immunity.
- Accurate mechanophenotyping of dendritic cells is essential for understanding immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid technique for characterizing dendritic cell biomechanical properties.
- To correlate cellular mechanical properties with F-actin activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dielectrophoretic forces in nonuniform electric fields to induce cellular elongation.
- Employed a large array of interdigitated electrodes for simultaneous multi-cell stretching.
- Measured deformability via optical methods and F-actin activity using phalloidin fluorescence.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a direct correlation between F-actin activity and dendritic cell deformability.
- Established a rapid method for biomechanical characterization of dendritic cells.
Conclusions:
- Dielectrophoresis offers a powerful tool for rapid mechanophenotyping of dendritic cells.
- F-actin dynamics are a key determinant of dendritic cell mechanical properties and immune function.
