Recent research has uncovered how immune cells apply physical force to detach and destroy pathogens that adhere to human tissues, revealing a new dimension of immune defense.
White blood cells constantly patrol the body, responding rapidly when bacteria attach to tissues. These cells use mechanical force to rip pathogens from surfaces, preventing infection. “A vivid new image is emerging in the world of cell biology,” explains Xuefeng Wang, assistant professor at the Hawksworth Blood Center, describing how leukocytes compress and tear bacteria from wounds before engulfing them through phagocytosis. This process is driven by integrin, a key surface protein that helps immune cells generate the necessary tension.
Wang’s team is leading groundbreaking research on integrin’s role in immune defense, supported by a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Their study, published in Nature Communications, explores how integrin-mediated forces contribute to pathogen removal. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments that enhance immune cell function, accelerating wound healing and improving infection control.
“This study could open up new treatments that not only fight infections but also speed up the wound healing process,” Wang emphasizes. These findings have far-reaching implications, from preventing lung damage caused by pollutants to developing innovative therapies for infectious diseases. By uncovering the mechanics of immune response, researchers are paving the way for novel medical advancements.
