Mechanotransduction in Shaping Immunity: Pathways, Crosstalk, and Pathophysiological Relevance

The immune system serves as a crucial line of defense against pathogens and abnormal cells throughout the entire life cycle. While chemical interactions among immune cells play a prominent role in the immune response, the manner in which physical factors, such as mechanical forces, shape the behaviors and functions of immune cells remains inadequately understood. This is particularly noteworthy given that the lifespan of an immune cell is characterized by a series of physical processes. This review first synthesizes current understanding of how immune cells respond to biomechanical cues via mechanotransduction cascades, which encompass mechanosensors that detect mechanical stimuli, mechanotransducers that propagate signals, and mechanoeffectors that execute cellular responses. Furthermore, this is delved into the mechanical crosstalk among immune cells themselves and between the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as with other cell types. the emerging significance of mechanoimmunology is highlighted in both health and disease contexts. Overall, this review will give insight into the role of mechanotransduction in shaping immunity is hoped, providing inspiration for advancements in mechanobiology-based immunotherapeutic strategies in the future.