Control of immune cells via chemical, electrical and mechanical cues

ORAL

Abstract

Directed migration of immune cells is essential in facilitating the wound healing process. Coordination of collagen scaffolding, chemical gradients and endogenous electric fields guides cells to the site of inflammation. However, mimicking this system in vitrohas not been previously explored. In this work, we combine the above guidance cues artificially, and in a controlled manner, to understand better immune responses. Specifically, we are studying in the cells’ intracellular response via the actin cytoskeleton. By investigating and analyzing the actin cytoskeleton as an excitable system, a more complete understanding of contact guidance, chemotaxis and electrotaxis may be obtained.

*This material is based on work supported by MURI grant AFOSR MURI FA9550-16-1-0052 and student funding by the National Science Foundation COMBINE-NRT Program under Grant No. DGE-1632976.

–

Presenters

  • Abby Bull

    • University of Maryland, College Park

Authors

  • Abby Bull

    • University of Maryland, College Park

  • Matt J. Hourwitz

    • University of Maryland, College Park
    • Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland,College Park
    • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland-College Park

  • Leonard Campanello

    • Department of Physics, University of Maryland,College Park
    • University of Maryland, College Park

  • John T Fourkas

    • University of Maryland, College Park
    • Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland,College Park
    • Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland-College Park

  • Wolfgang Losert

    • University of Maryland, College Park
    • Department of Physics, University of Maryland
    • Institute of Physical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Department of Physics, University of Maryland,College Park
    • Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Department of Physics, University of Maryland-College Park
    • IREAP, IPST, University of Maryland, College Park
    • Departments of Physics, IPST and IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park