Judith Mandl

Stories

T cells sense tissue stiffness to set long-term immune memory

Active researcher; next step is identifying the T cell mechanosensor

Immunologists have long assumed chemical signals alone decide whether a T cell, a white blood cell that coordinates immune defenses, becomes a long-term memory cell. A McGill University team has found the cells also sense the stiffness of surrounding tissue, and that physical cue influences the decision.

Updated 1 hour ago

Notable Quotes

"This is an exciting fundamental finding that challenges the way we think about immune cells. It suggests T cells can 'feel' their surroundings and adapt to them, making the physical environment an active force in shaping their behavior." — Judith Mandl, McGill University

from T cells sense tissue stiffness to set long-term immune memory · Updated 1 hour ago

"Tumors are often dense and physically difficult for immune cells to penetrate. Understanding how T cells adapt to these environments could help researchers design cancer immunotherapies that are better able to reach and attack tumors." — Judith Mandl, McGill University

from T cells sense tissue stiffness to set long-term immune memory · Updated 1 hour ago