The Nuclear Envelope as a Regulator of Immune Cell Function.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Biophysics

Background:

• The nuclear envelope (NE) was traditionally viewed as a passive barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
• Emerging evidence highlights the NE's active roles in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on the NE's role in innate and adaptive immune cell function.
• To propose the NE as a sensor and integrator of mechanical and chemical signals in immune cells.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating NE function in immune cells.
• Analysis of research on mechanical forces impacting immune cell migration and function.

Main Results:

• The NE actively contributes to regulating innate and adaptive immune cell functions.
• Immune cells experience diverse mechanical forces during migration and in different tissue environments.
• The NE acts as a sensor and transducer of mechanical signals.

Conclusions:

• The NE integrates mechanical and chemical signals to precisely regulate immune cell gene transcription and function.
• The NE should be recognized as a key organelle in immune cell function, alongside mitochondria and phagosomes.