Applications of atomic force microscopy in immunology.
10.1007/s11684-020-0769-6
- Author:
Jiping LI
1
;
Yuying LIU
2
;
Yidong YUAN
1
;
Bo HUANG
3
Author Information
1. Beijing Smartchip Microelectronics Technology Company Limited, Beijing, 100192, China.
2. Department of Immunology & National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
3. Department of Immunology & National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China. tjhuangbo@hotmail.com.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
atomic force microscopy;
cellular mechanics;
macrophage phagocytosis;
neutrophil extracellular trap;
pore formation
- MeSH:
Microscopy, Atomic Force;
Neutrophils
- From:
Frontiers of Medicine
2021;15(1):43-52
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Cellular mechanics, a major regulating factor of cellular architecture and biological functions, responds to intrinsic stresses and extrinsic forces exerted by other cells and the extracellular matrix in the microenvironment. Cellular mechanics also acts as a fundamental mediator in complicated immune responses, such as cell migration, immune cell activation, and pathogen clearance. The principle of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and its three running modes are introduced for the mechanical characterization of living cells. The peak force tapping mode provides the most delicate and desirable virtues to collect high-resolution images of morphology and force curves. For a concrete description of AFM capabilities, three AFM applications are discussed. These applications include the dynamic progress of a neutrophil-extracellular-trap release by neutrophils, the immunological functions of macrophages, and the membrane pore formation mediated by perforin, streptolysin O, gasdermin D, or membrane attack complex.
