PROJECT B14
Mechanisms of Neutrophil Invasion Across Cellular Membranes
Neutrophils are highly motile innate immune cells capable of infiltrating virtually any tissue compartment and play a central role in early inflammatory responses. Their recruitment from the bloodstream and subsequent invasion of tissues relies on dynamic and tightly regulated interactions with other cell types.
We investigate how neutrophils traverse cellular barriers during two key processes. Interactions between neutrophils and endothelial surfaces enable neutrophils to breach the blood vessel wall. Once in the tissue, migrating neutrophils maintain their potential to invade tissue spaces and cellular structures. This can lead to neutrophils invading mast cells during the formation of “Mast cell Intracellular Traps“, a recently identified cell-in-cell phenomenon observed during allergic reactions.
We focus on the cellular and biophysical mechanisms that enable neutrophils to penetrate cellular surfaces. Our work seeks to identify the molecular and mechanical principles underlying critical cell–cell interactions during immune responses.
