T cells play an essential role in adaptive immunity,and the specific recognition of antigens by T cell receptors(TCRs)is the key in initiating anti-tumor and antiviral immune responses.Recent studies have 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,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 are mainly discussed.The 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 are summarized.Based on the research results of domestic and foreign expert teams,combined with the research work of our team,this review summarizes and discusses the role of force in T cell function,so as to provide a system framework for deeply understanding the cutting-edge hotspots in the field of mechanoimunology and exploring new research directions.
T cell receptorcatch bondmechanotransductionsingle-molecule force spectroscopycancer immunotherapymechanoimmunology