Novel microcopy methods allow scientists to study the mechanical interaction of T-cells and particles Novel microcopy methods allow scientists to study the mechanical interaction of T-cells and particles
Novel microcopy methods allow scientists to study the mechanical interaction of T-cells and particles Novel microcopy methods allow scientists to study the mechanical interaction of T-cells and particles - When T-cells of our immune system become active, tiny traction forces at the molecular level play an important role. They have now been studied at TU Wien. Highly complicated processes constantly take place in our body to keep pathogens in check: The T-cells of our immune system are busy searching for antigens - suspicious molecules that fit exactly into certain receptors of the T-cells like a key into a lock. This activates the T-cell and the defense mechanisms of the immune system are set in motion. How this process takes place at the molecular level is not yet well understood. What is now clear, however, is that not only chemistry plays a role in the docking of antigens to the T-cell; micromechanical effects are important too. Submicrometer structures on the cell surface act like microscopic tension springs.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
