The T Cell Journey: A Tour de Force.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cellular Mechanobiology
• Biophysics

Background:

• T cells orchestrate adaptive immunity, and their dysfunction contributes to various pathologies.
• T cells encounter diverse physical forces from cellular interactions, tissue environments, and fluid dynamics throughout their lifespan.
• Early research revealed the inherent mechanosensitivity of T cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanobiology of T cells, from development to effector functions.
• To highlight how physical properties of the microenvironment influence T cell activation and behavior.
• To explore the role of T cell mechanobiology in pathological conditions, particularly cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on T cell development, mechanosensitivity, and responses to physical stimuli.
• Analysis of research investigating T cell interactions with antigen-presenting cells, extracellular matrix, and fluid shear stress.
• Examination of pathological contexts, such as the tumor microenvironment, and their impact on T cell function.

Main Results:

• T cell activation and function are significantly modulated by physical forces and microenvironmental properties.
• Changes in antigen-presenting cell stiffness, extracellular matrix composition, and shear flow conditions impact T cell responses.
• Pathological conditions, exemplified by the tumor microenvironment, can impair T cell effector functions, facilitating immune evasion by cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• T cell mechanobiology is a critical determinant of immune response efficacy.
• Understanding how physical cues regulate T cells offers potential therapeutic avenues for immune disorders and cancer.
• Further research into T cell mechanotransduction is warranted to fully exploit its clinical implications.