Immune cells have a 'sense of touch,' scientists discover
Researchers have discovered that immune T cells possess a 'sense of touch,' allowing them to detect the stiffness of surrounding tissues to determine their development into memory cells. This finding challenges existing biochemical models of immunity and could lead to new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanical behavior of immune cells opens new pathways for immunotherapy and treatments for conditions where the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Scientists have long believed that tissue-resident memory T cells—which remain in tissues after an infection has cleared and respond rapidly if the threat returns—are shaped primarily by biochemical signals. A McGill University–led study has now uncovered a previously unknown ability of T cells that could change our understanding of how long-term immunity develops.
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