T细胞是获得性免疫的核心之一,T细胞受体(TCR)对抗原的特异性识别是启动抗肿瘤、抗病毒免疫应答的关键过程。近年来的研究表明力在T细胞免疫反应中起着重要的调控作用,为力学免疫学这一新兴领域奠定了基础。在本文中,我们重点讨论力协助TCR区分特异性抗原和自身非特异性抗原的机制,以及力在启动TCR跨细胞膜信号传导及触发T细胞激活过程中发挥的关键作用。我们总结了力学免疫学研究中新的生物物理单分子工具和先进的成像技术,这些工具的能够在分子和细胞尺度上深入揭示力作用的重要性。本文基于国内外专家团队的研究成果,并结合本团队研究工作,对力在T细胞功能中的作用进行总结探讨,为深入理解力学免疫学领域的前沿热点和探索新的研究方向提供系统框架。

T cells play essential roles in adaptive immunity, and the specific recognition of antigens by T cell receptors (TCRs) is key in initiating anti-tumor and antiviral immune responses. Recent studies demonstrated that force plays an important regulatory role in T cell immune responses, laying the foundation for the emerging field of mechanoimmunology. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms by which force assists TCRs in distinguishing between specific antigens and non-specific antigens, as well as the critical role force plays in initiating TCR transmembrane signaling and triggering T cell activation. We summarize novel biophysical single-molecule tools and advanced imaging techniques that can deeply reveal the importance of mechanical forces at the molecular and/or cellular level. Here, we tried to provide a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge hotspots in the field of mechanoimunology and suggest potential future directions .