The mechanics of the immune system

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. Tiny forces that occur as a result are likely to be of great importance for the recognition of antigens. It has now become possible to observe these forces directly using highly developed microscopy methods.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3aA7DsS