Visualization of CD2 interaction with LFA-3 and determination of the two-dimensional dissociation constant for adhesion receptors in a contact area

The effects of Ca2+ binding on the dynamic properties of a designed Ca2+-binding protein

The effects of Ca(2+) binding on the dynamic properties of Ca(2+)-binding proteins are important in Ca(2+) signaling. To understand the role of Ca(2+) binding, we have successfully designed a Ca(2+)-binding site in the domain 1 of rat CD2 (denoted as Ca.CD2) with the desired structure and retained function. In this study, the backbone dynamic properties of Ca.CD2 have been investigated using (15)N spin relaxation NMR spectroscopy to reveal the effect of Ca(2+) binding on the global and local dynamic properties without the complications of multiple interactive Ca(2+) binding and global conformational change. Like rat CD2 (rCD2) and human CD2 (hCD2), residues involved in the recognition of the target molecule CD48 exhibit high flexibility. Mutations N15D and N17D that introduce the Ca(2+) ligands increase the flexibility of the neighboring residues. Ca(2+)-induced local dynamic changes occur mainly at the residues proximate to the Ca(2+)-binding pocket or the residues in loop regions. The beta-strand B of Ca.CD2 that provides two Asp for the Ca(2+) undergoes an S(2) decrease upon the Ca(2+) binding, while the DE-loop that provides one Asn and one Asp undergoes an S(2) increase. Our study suggests that Ca(2+) binding has a differential effect on the rigidity of the residues depending on their flexibility and location within the secondary structure.

A Theoretical Framework for Quantitative Analysis of the Molecular Basis of Costimulation

We present a theoretical framework for simulating the synaptic accumulation of the costimulatory molecules CD28, CTLA-4, B7-1, and B7-2, based on a system of mean-field, ordinary differential equations, and rigorous biophysical and expression data. The simulations show that binding affinity, stoichiometric properties, expression levels, and, in particular, competition effects all profoundly influence complex formation at cellular interfaces. B7-2 engages 33-fold more CD28 than CTLA-4 at the synapse in contrast to B7-1, which ligates approximately 7-fold more CTLA-4 than CD28. Although B7-1 completely dominates interactions with CTLA-4, forming linear arrays of 7-18 receptor-ligand pairs, CTLA-4 is fully engaged by B7-2 when B7-1 is absent. Additional simulations reveal the sensitivity of CD28 interactions to modeled transport processes. The results support the concept that B7-2 and B7-1 are the dominant ligands of CD28 and CTLA-4, respectively, and indicate that the inability of B7-2 to recruit CTLA-4 to the synapse cannot be due to the differential binding properties of B7-1 and B7-2 only. We discuss the apparent redundancy of B7-1 in the context of a potentially dynamic synaptic microenvironment, and in light of functions other than the direct enhancement of T cell inhibition by CTLA-4.

A Model for CD2/CD58-Mediated Adhesion Strengthening

Stable cell adhesion is vital for structural integrity and functional efficacy. Yet how low affinity adhesion molecules such as CD2 and CD58 can produce stable cell adhesion is still not completely understood. In this paper, we present a theoretical model that simulates the accumulation of CD2 and CD58 in the contact area of a Jurkat T lymphoblast and a CD58-containing substrate. The cell is assumed to have a spherical shape initially and it is allowed to spread gradually on a circular substrate. Mobile CD2 and CD58 can diffuse freely on both the cell and substrate. Their binding in the contact area is controlled by first-order kinetics. The contact area grows linearly with the total number of CD2/CD58 bonds. Cellular deformation and cytoskeleton involvement were not considered. This time-dependent moving-boundary problem was solved with the Crank-Nicolson finite difference scheme and the variable space grid method. Our simulated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental observations. The role of diffusion becomes more and more prominent during the contact area increase, which is not sensitive to the kinetic rate constants tested in this study. However, it is very sensitive to the dissociation equilibrium constant and the concentrations of CD2 and CD58.

Growth and shape stability of a biological membrane adhesion complex in the diffusion-mediated regime

We examine the process of expansion of a focal adhesion complex by which a biological membrane containing mobile binders adheres to a substrate with complementary binders. Attention is focused on the situation, common among living cells, in which the mean mobile binder density is insufficient to overcome generic resistance to close approach of the membrane to its substrate. For the membrane to adhere, binders must be recruited from adjacent regions to join an adhesion patch of density adequate for adhesion, thereby expanding the size of the patch. The specific configuration examined is the expansion of a circular adhesion zone for which diffusive binder transport driven by a chemical potential gradient is the mechanism of binder recruitment. An aspect of the process of particular interest is the stability of the circular shape of the expanding front. It is found that the adhesion front radius increases as radical(t), where t is the time elapsed since nucleation, and that the circular shape becomes unstable under sinusoidal perturbations for radii large compared with the nucleation size, as observed in recent experiments.

Sugar-mediated ligand–receptor interactions in the immune system

Most molecules involved in the recognition and elimination of pathogens by the immune system are glycoproteins. Oligosaccharides attached to glycoproteins initiate biological functions through mechanisms that involve multiple interactions of the monosaccharide residues with receptors. For example, calreticulin, a quality-control lectin-like chaperone, interacts with glucosylated mannose glycans presented by empty major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, retaining them in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) until antigenic peptide is loaded. Clusters of specific IgG glycoforms, present in increased amounts in rheumatoid arthritis, bind mannose-binding lectin (MBL), providing a potential route to inflammation through activation of the complement pathway. Secretory IgA glycans bind gut bacteria, and an unusual cluster of mannose residues on gp120, the surface coat protein of the HIV virus, is recognized by the novel 'domain-swapped' IgG 2G12 serum antibody.

Direct quantification of the modulation of interaction between cell- or surface-bound LFA-1 and ICAM-1

The functional activity of leukocyte integrins is highly regulated by several mechanisms related to intrinsic molecular properties and receptor interaction with the cell membrane. Here, we present a microkinetic study of the lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1-mediated interaction between flowing Jurkat cells and surface- or cell-bound intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We conclude that adhesion is initiated by the formation of a single bond with approximately 0.3 s(-1) dissociation rate, and attachment is subsequently strengthened by the formation of additional bonds during the next 10 s; exposing cells to Mg2+ or Mn2+ resulted in up to a 16-fold increase of the binding frequency, in line with reported measurements performed on isolated molecules with surface plasmon resonance methodology; cell-bound ICAM-1 molecules were more efficient in mediating adhesion than Fc-ICAM-1, properly oriented and bound by surface-adsorbed protein A; and quantitative analysis of binding frequency suggested that adhesion efficiency was ten- to 100-fold lower than the maximum value allowed by previously determined association rates of soluble molecules. It is concluded that the presented methodology provides a simple and unique way of dissecting the initial step of cell adhesion and discriminating between affinity and avidity modulation of adhesion receptors.

Membranes as messengers in T cell adhesion signaling

Talin and RapL are components of molecular pathways that regulate the avidity of the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) for its ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule 1. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of LFA-1 affinity regulation and signaling and discuss a scenario for how Talin and Rap1 might act in synergy to achieve regulation of LFA-1 that is tailored to the specific functional requirements of different situations. Speedy delivery of signals may be crucial, and membrane trafficking from endosomes and the Golgi apparatus seem to be essential in delivering the messages from spatially segregated surface receptors.

Molecular interactions mediating T cell antigen recognition

Over the past decade, key protein interactions contributing to T cell antigen recognition have been characterized in molecular detail. These have included interactions involving the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) itself, its coreceptors CD4 and CD8, the accessory molecule CD2, and the costimulatory receptors CD28 and CTLA-4. A clear view is emerging of how these molecules interact with their ligands at the cell-cell interface. Structural and binding studies have confirmed that the proteins span small but comparable distances and that, overall, they interact very weakly. However, there have been important surprises as well: that TCR interactions with peptide-MHC are topologically constrained and characterized by considerable conformational flexibility at the binding interface; that coreceptors engage peptide-MHC with extraordinarily fast kinetics and at angles apparently precluding direct interactions with the TCR bound to the same peptide-MHC; that the structural mechanisms allowing recognition by costimulatory and accessory molecules to be weak and yet specific are very heterogeneous; and that because of differences in both binding affinity and stoichiometry, there is enormous variation in the stability of the various costimulatory receptor/ligand complexes. These studies provide the necessary framework for exploring how these molecular interactions initiate T cell activation.

Supported planar bilayers in studies on immune cell adhesion and communication

Supported planar bilayers have been used extensively in immunology to study molecular interactions at interfaces as a model for cell-cell interaction. Examples include Fc receptor-mediated adhesion and signaling and formation of the immunological synapse between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. The advantage of the supported planar bilayer system is control of the bilayer composition and the optical advantages of imaging the cell-bilayer or bilayer-bilayer interface by various types of trans-, epi- and total internal reflection illumination. Supported planar bilayers are simple to form by liposome fusion and recent advances in micro- and nanotechnology greatly extend the power of supported bilayers to address key questions in immunology and cell biology.

Dynamics of Cell Surface Molecules During T Cell Recognition

Recognition of foreign antigens by T lymphocytes is a very important component of vertebrate immunity-vital to the clearance of pathogenic organisms and particular viruses and necessary, indirectly, for the production of high affinity antibodies. T cell recognition is mediated by the systematic scanning of cell surfaces by T cells, which collectively express many antigen receptors. When the appropriate antigenic peptide bound to a molecule of the major histocompatibility complex is found-even in minute quantities-a series of elaborate cell-surface molecule and internal rearrangements take place. The sequence of events and the development of techniques required to observe these events have significantly enhanced our understanding of T cell recognition and may find application in other systems of transient cell:cell interactions as well.

Coordination of T cell activation and migration through formation of the immunological synapse

T cell activation is based on interactions of T cell antigen receptors with MHC-peptide complexes in a specialized cell-cell junction between the T cell and antigen-presenting cell-the immunological synapse. The immunological synapse coordinates naïve T cell activation and migration by stopping T cell migration with antigen-presenting cells bearing appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide complexes. At the same time, the immunological synapse allows full T cell activation through sustained signaling over a period of several hours. The immunological synapse supports activation in the absence of continued T cell migration, which is required for T cell activation through serial encounters. Src and Syk family kinases are activated early in immunological synapse formation, but this signaling process returns to the basal level after 30 min; at the same time, the interactions between T cell receptors (TCRs) and MHC peptides are stabilized within the immunological synapse. The molecular pattern of the mature synapse in helper T cells is a self-stabilized structure that is correlated with cytokine production and proliferation. I propose that this molecular pattern and its specific biochemical constituents are necessary to amplify signals from the partially desensitized TCR.

Cell membrane alignment along adhesive surfaces: contribution of active and passive cell processes

Cell adhesion requires nanometer scale membrane alignment to allow contact between adhesion receptors. Little quantitative information is presently available on this important biological process. Here we present an interference reflection microscopic study of the initial interaction between monocytic THP-1 cells and adhesive surfaces, with concomitant determination of cell deformability, using micropipette aspiration, and adhesiveness, using a laminar flow assay. We report that 1), during the first few minutes after contact, cells form irregular-shaped interaction zones reaching approximately 100 micro m(2) with a margin extension velocity of 0.01-0.02 micro m/s. This happens before the overall cell deformations usually defined as spreading. 2), These interference reflection microscopic-detected zones represent bona fide adhesion inasmuch as cells are not released by hydrodynamic forces. 3), Alignment is markedly decreased but not abolished by microfilament blockade with cytochalasin or even cell fixation with paraformaldehyde. 4), In contrast, exposing cells to hypotonic medium increased the rate of contact extension. 5), Contacts formed in presence of cytochalasin, after paraformaldehyde fixation or in hypotonic medium, were much more regular-shaped than controls and their extension matched cell deformability. 6), None of the aforementioned treatments altered adhesiveness to the surface. It is concluded that adhesive forces and passive membrane deformations are sufficient to generate initial cell alignment to adhesive surfaces, and this process is accelerated by spontaneous cytoskeletally-driven membrane motion.

The nature of molecular recognition by T cells

Considerable progress has been made in characterizing four key sets of interactions controlling antigen responsiveness in T cells, involving the following: the T cell antigen receptor, its coreceptors CD4 and CD8, the costimulatory receptors CD28 and CTLA-4, and the accessory molecule CD2. Complementary work has defined the general biophysical properties of interactions between cell surface molecules. Among the major conclusions are that these interactions are structurally heterogeneous, often reflecting clear-cut functional constraints, and that, although they all interact relatively weakly, hierarchical differences in the stabilities of the signaling complexes formed by these molecules may influence the sequence of steps leading to T cell activation. Here we review these developments and highlight the major challenges remaining as the field moves toward formulating quantitative models of T cell recognition.

Interface accumulation of receptor/ligand couples in lymphocyte activation: methods, mechanisms, and significance

Cellular interaction is vital to the activation of most lymphocytes. At the interface between the lymphocyte and the cell that activates it, multiple receptor/ligand pairs accumulate in distinct patterns. This accumulation is intriguing, as it is likely to shape the quality of receptor signaling and thereby lymphocyte behavior. Here we address such receptor/ligand accumulation with an emphasis on T and natural killer (NK) cells. First, we discuss the strengths and limitations of commonly used approaches to visualize receptor/ligand accumulation. Second, we discuss two principal mechanisms of receptor and ligand translocation, diffusion and cytoskeletal transport, as understanding these mechanisms can be invaluable in the determination of the significance of receptor/ligand accumulation. We show that the extent of receptor/ligand accumulation at the T cell/antigen presenting cell interface is dominated by diffusion for all but the lowest affinity interactions, while patterning of these receptors/ligands within the interface is strongly influenced by cytoskeletal transport. Third, we discuss two specific issues in lymphocyte receptor/ligand accumulation. We review the abundant but frequently controversial data on T cell receptor (TCR)/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) accumulation and suggest that central TCR/MHC accumulation is a mediator of efficient T cell activation. In the investigation of NK cell/target cell interactions, we characterize the often tentative NK cell/target cell couple maintenance, as it creates a major obstacle in studying receptor/ligand accumulation.

Direct measurements of heterotypic adhesion between the cell surface proteins CD2 and CD48

Direct force measurements were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of heterophilic adhesion between the murine T-cell adhesion glycoprotein CD2 and its ligand CD48. From the distance dependence of the protein-protein interaction potential, we demonstrate directly that the full-length extracellular domains adhere in a head-to-head orientation. The absence of long-range electrostatic protein-protein attraction further indicates that the salt bridges between the binding surfaces only influence the interaction at short range. Despite the loss of a stabilizing disulfide bond in domain 1 (D1) of CD2, adhesive failure occurs abruptly with no evidence of partial protein unfolding during detachment. Finally, these measurements between extended membrane surfaces directly confirm that the low-affinity CD2-CD48 bond generates weak adhesion and that lateral receptor mobility is required for the development of appreciable adhesion. This is the first direct measurement of the range and magnitude of the forces governing heterotypic adhesion mediated by cell surface proteins. These results both verified the head-to-head CD2-CD48 docking alignment and demonstrated the ability to elucidate the structure-function relationships of adhesion proteins from the measured distance dependence of their interaction potentials.

The synapse assembly model

A framework for quantitative analysis of the mechanisms underlying immunological synapse assembly has been recently developed. This model uses partial differential equations to describe the binding interactions of receptors and ligands, with the constraint that they are embedded in apposed deformable membranes linked to a cytoskeletal complex.

Differential segregation in a cell-cell contact interface: the dynamics of the immunological synapse

Receptor-ligand couples in the cell-cell contact interface between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell form distinct geometric patterns and undergo spatial rearrangement within the contact interface. Spatial segregation of the antigen and adhesion receptors occurs within seconds of contact, central aggregation of the antigen receptor then occurring over 1-5 min. This structure, called the immunological synapse, is becoming a paradigm for localized signaling. However, the mechanisms driving its formation, in particular spatial segregation, are currently not understood. With a reaction diffusion model incorporating thermodynamics, elasticity, and reaction kinetics, we examine the hypothesis that differing bond lengths (extracellular domain size) is the driving force behind molecular segregation. We derive two key conditions necessary for segregation: a thermodynamic criterion on the effective bond elasticity and a requirement for the seeding/nucleation of domains. Domains have a minimum length scale and will only spontaneously coalesce/aggregate if the contact area is small or the membrane relaxation distance large. Otherwise, differential attachment of receptors to the cytoskeleton is required for central aggregation. Our analysis indicates that differential bond lengths have a significant effect on synapse dynamics, i.e., there is a significant contribution to the free energy of the interaction, suggesting that segregation by differential bond length is important in cell-cell contact interfaces and the immunological synapse.

Cell adhesion and polarity during immune interactions

Intercellular interactions are critical for a coordinated function of different cell types involved in the immune response. Here we review the cellular and molecular events occurring during cell-cell immune contacts. Cognate naïve CD4+ T lymphocyte-dendritic cell (DC) and primed T cell-antigen-presenting B lymphocyte interactions are discussed. The engagement of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) or natural killer cells (NK) with their targets is analyzed and compared to the process of T cell-antigen-presenting cell (APC) conjugate formation. The immunological synapse, a complex cluster of molecules organized at the contact area of cell conjugates, exhibits common features but shows some differences depending on cell types involved. Cellular interactions occur in sequential stages that involve dramatic changes in cell polarity and dynamic redistribution of cell membrane receptors. The role of membrane microdomains, adaptor molecules and the cytoskeleton in the regulation of the molecular reorganization at cell-cell contacts is also discussed.

CFTR is a pattern recognition molecule that extracts Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS from the outer membrane into epithelial cells and activates NF-kappa B translocation

Immune cells are activated during cellular responses to antigen by two described mechanisms: (i) direct uptake of antigen and (ii) extraction and internalization of membrane components from antigen-presenting cells. Although endocytosis of microbial antigens by pattern recognition molecules (PRM) also activates innate immunity, it is not known whether this involves extraction and internalization of microbial surface components. Epithelial cells on mucosal surfaces use a variety of receptors that are distinct from the classical endocytic PRM to bind and internalize intact microorganisms. Nonclassical receptor molecules theoretically could act as a type of endocytic PRM if these molecules could recognize, bind, extract, and internalize a pathogen-associated molecule and initiate cell signaling. We report here that the interaction between the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the outer core oligosaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa satisfies all of these conditions. P. aeruginosa LPS was specifically recognized and bound by CFTR, extracted from the organism's surface, and endocytosed by epithelial cells, leading to a rapid (5- to 15-min) and dynamic translocation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa B. Inhibition of epithelial cell internalization of P. aeruginosa LPS prevented NF-kappa B activation. Cellular activation depended on expression of wild-type CFTR, because both cultured Delta F508 CFTR human airway epithelial cells and lung epithelial cells of transgenic-CF mice failed to endocytose LPS and translocate NF-kappa B. CFTR serves as a critical endocytic PRM in the lung epithelium, coordinating the effective innate immune response to P. aeruginosa infection.

Local cell membrane deformations due to receptor-ligand bonding as seen by reflection microscopy

Understanding surface receptor clustering and redistribution processes at the cell-matrix contact zone requires detailed knowledge of the spatial integration of these molecules in the architecture of this complex interface. Here we present and discuss critically a procedure to extract such information combining reflection contrast microscopy (RCM) and reflection interference microscopy (RIM). As model system, we used living human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhering to laminin-coated surfaces and investigated the distribution of the alpha2beta1 (CD29/CD49b) integrin at the contact zone of these cells. First, we applied freeze-fracture electron microscopy to gain information on microscopic details of the alpha2beta1 distribution at the contact zone. Next, we visualized and analyzed the overall lateral distribution of the integrins applying RCM using immunogold-labeling with 10 nm labels and a special silver enhancement technique. We found that RCM can be used to determine the lateral position of the marked receptor molecules to an accuracy of about 100-200 nm, instead of large morphological changes at the contact zone during silver enhancement. Finally, we combined RCM with RIM and analyzed the interference pattern of the contact zone around the label positions. Thus, we were able to detect changes of the average shape of the cell membrane due to receptor-ligand bonding of a size down to the resolution of the techniques.

Micropattern formation in supported lipid membranes

Phospholipid vesicles exhibit a natural tendency to fuse and assemble into a continuous single bilayer membrane on silica and several other substrate materials. The resulting supported membrane maintains many of the physical and biological characteristics of free membranes, including lateral fluidity. Recent advances, building on the supported membrane configuration, have created a wealth of opportunities for the manipulation, control, and analysis of membranes and the reaction environments they provide. The work reviewed in this Account, which can be broadly characterized as the science and technology of membrane patterning, contains three basic components: lateral diffusion control (barriers), membrane deposition techniques (microarrays), and electric field-induced lateral reorganization. Collectively, these preparative and analytical patterned membrane techniques offer a broad experimental platform for the study and utilization of lipid membranes.

Identification of self through two-dimensional chemistry and synapses

Cells in the immune and nervous systems communicate through informational synapses. The two-dimensional chemistry underlying the process of synapse formation is beginning to be explored using fluorescence imaging and mechanical techniques. Early analysis of two-dimensional kinetic rates (k(on) and k(off)) and equilibrium constants (K(d)) provides a number of biological insights. First, there are two regimes for adhesion-one disordered with slow k(on) and the other self-ordered with 10(4)-fold faster k(on). Despite huge variation in two-dimensional k(on), the two-dimensional k(off) is like k(off) in solution, and two-dimensional k(off) is more closely related to intrinsic properties of the interaction than the two-dimensional k(on). Thus difference in k(off) can be used to set signaling thresholds. Early signaling complexes are compartmentalized to generate synergistic signaling domains. Immune antigen receptor components have a role in neural synapse editing. This suggests significant parallels in informational synapse formation based on common two-dimensional chemistry and signaling strategies.

Cell mechanics: mechanical response, cell adhesion, and molecular deformation

As the basic unit of life, the cell is a biologically complex system, the understanding of which requires a combination of various approaches including biomechanics. With recent progress in cell and molecular biology, the field of cell mechanics has grown rapidly over the last few years. This review synthesizes some of these recent developments to foster new concepts and approaches, and it emphasizes molecular-level understanding. The focuses are on the common themes and interconnections in three related areas: (a) the responses of cells to mechanical forces, (b) the mechanics and kinetics of cell adhesion, and (c) the deformation of biomolecules. Specific examples are also given to illustrate the quantitative modeling used in analyzing biological processes and physiological functions.

A response calculus for immobilized T cell receptor ligands

To address the molecular mechanism of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, we have formulated a model for T cell activation, termed the 2D-affinity model, in which the density of TCR on the T cell surface, the density of ligand on the presenting surface, and their corresponding two-dimensional affinity determine the level of T cell activation. When fitted to T cell responses against purified ligands immobilized on plastic surfaces, the 2D-affinity model adequately simulated changes in cellular activation as a result of varying ligand affinity and ligand density. These observations further demonstrated the importance of receptor cross-linking density in determining TCR signaling. Moreover, it was found that the functional two-dimensional affinity of TCR ligands was affected by the chemical composition of the ligand-presenting surface. This makes it possible that cell-bound TCR ligands, despite their low affinity in solution, are of optimal two-dimensional affinity thereby allowing effective TCR binding under physiological conditions, i.e. at low ligand densities in cellular interfaces.

Kinetics of membrane adhesion mediated by ligand-receptor interaction studied with a biomimetic system

We report the first measurement of the kinetics of adhesion of a single giant vesicle controlled by the competition between membrane-substrate interaction mediated by ligand-receptor interaction, gravitation, and Helfrich repulsion. To model the cell-tissue interaction, we doped the vesicles with lipid-coupled polymers (mimicking the glycocalix) and the reconstituted ligands selectively recognized by alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin-mediating specific attraction forces. The integrin was grafted on glass substrates to act as a target cell. The adhesion of the vesicle membrane to the integrin-covered surface starts with the spontaneous formation of a small (approximately 200 nm) domain of tight adhesion, which then gradually grows until the whole adhesion area is in the state of tight adhesion. The time of adhesion varies from few tens of seconds to about one hour depending on the ligand and lipopolymer concentration. At small ligand concentrations, we observed the displacement xi of the front of tight adhesion following the square root law xi approximately t(1/2), whereas, at high concentrations, we found a linear law xi approximately t. We show both experimentally and theoretically that the t(1/2)-regime is dominated by diffusion of ligands, and the xi approximately t-regime by the kinetics of ligands-receptors association.

Endothelial cell costimulation of T cell activation through CD58-CD2 interactions involves lipid raft aggregation

Human endothelial cells (EC) costimulate CD4(+) memory T cell activation through CD58-CD2 interactions. In this study we tested the hypothesis that EC activate distinct costimulatory pathways in T cells that target specific transcription factors. AP-1, composed of fos and jun proteins, is a critical effector of TCR signaling and binds several sites in the IL-2 promoter. EC augment c-fos promoter activity in T cells; however, deletion analysis reveals no transcription factor binding sites in the promoter uniquely responsive to EC costimulation. Overexpression of AP-1 proteins in T cells augments the activity of an AP-1-luciferase reporter gene equally in the absence or the presence of EC costimulation. Interestingly, EC stimulate a similar 2- to 3-fold up-regulation of AP-1, NF-AT, NF-kappaB, and NF-IL-2-luciferase reporters. CD2 mAbs completely block EC effects on all of these pathways, as well as costimulation of IL-2 secretion. We conclude that EC costimulation through CD2 does not trigger a single distinct costimulatory pathway in T cells, but rather, it amplifies several pathways downstream of the TCR. Indeed, we find that early EC costimulation acts "upstream" of the TCR by promoting lipid raft aggregation, thus amplifying TCR signaling. Soluble CD2 mAbs block EC-induced raft aggregation, whereas cross-linking CD2 promotes aggregation. These data are consistent with the critical role of CD2 in organizing the T cell-APC contact zone.

Guinea pig fertilin exhibits restricted lateral mobility in epididymal sperm and becomes freely diffusing during capacitation

The guinea pig sperm protein fertilin functions in sperm-egg plasma membrane binding. Fertilin is initially present in the plasma membrane of the whole head in testicular sperm, then becomes concentrated into the posterior head domain during epididymal passage. Fertilin remains localized to the posterior head plasma membrane following the acrosome reaction, when it functions in sperm-egg interaction. Fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching was used to examine the lateral mobility of fertilin in both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm. Fertilin exhibited highly restricted lateral mobility in both testicular and epididymal sperm (D < 10(-10) cm(2)/s). However, fertilin in acrosome-reacted sperm was highly mobile within the membrane bilayer (D = 1.8 x 10(-9) cm(2)/s and %R = 84). Measurement of the lateral mobility of fertilin in capacitated, acrosome-intact sperm revealed two populations of cells. In approximately one-half of the cells, lateral mobility of fertilin was similar to sperm freshly isolated from the cauda epididymis; while in the other half fertilin was highly mobile. The release of fertilin from interactions that restrict its lateral mobility may regulate its function in sperm-egg interaction.

Molecular properties in cell adhesion: a physical and engineering perspective

The past several years have seen accelerating growth in research directed towards the understanding and control of cell adhesion processes, from a spectrum of disciplinary approaches including molecular cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering. Consequently, our understanding of the mechanisms involved in cell adhesion has increased substantially. Corresponding quantitative analysis and modeling of the key molecular properties governing their action in regulating dynamic cell attachment and detachment events is crucial for advancing conceptual insight along with technological applications.

Diffusion of microspheres in shear flow near a wall: use to measure binding rates between attached molecules

The rate and distance-dependence of association between surface-attached molecules may be determined by monitoring the motion of receptor-bearing spheres along ligand-coated surfaces in a flow chamber (Pierres et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95:9256-9261, 1998). Particle arrests reveal bond formation, and the particle-to-surface distance may be estimated from the ratio between the velocity and the wall shear rate. However, several problems are raised. First, data interpretation requires extensive computer simulations. Second, the relevance of standard results from fluid mechanics to micrometer-size particles separated from surfaces by nanometer distances is not fully demonstrated. Third, the wall shear rate must be known with high accuracy. Here we present a simple derivation of an algorithm permitting one to simulate the motion of spheres near a plane in shear flow. We check that theoretical predictions are consistent with the experimental dependence of motion on medium viscosity or particle size, and the requirement for equilibrium particle height distribution to follow Boltzman's law. The determination of the statistical relationship between particle velocity and acceleration allows one to derive the wall shear rate with 1-s(-1) accuracy and the Hamaker constant of interaction between the particle and the wall with a sensitivity better than 10(-21) J. It is demonstrated that the correlation between particle height and mean velocity during a time interval Deltat is maximal when Deltat is about 0.1-0.2 s for a particle of 1.4-microm radius. When the particle-to-surface distance ranges between 10 and 40 nm, the particle height distribution may be obtained with a standard deviation ranging between 8 and 25 nm, provided the average velocity during a 160-ms period of time is determined with 10% accuracy. It is concluded that the flow chamber allows one to detect the formation of individual bonds with a minimal lifetime of 40 ms in presence of a disruptive force of approximately 5 pN and to assess the distance dependence within the tens of nanometer range.

Synaptic pattern formation during cellular recognition

Cell-cell recognition often requires the formation of a highly organized pattern of receptor proteins (a synapse) in the intercellular junction. Recent experiments [e.g., Monks, C. R. F., Freiberg, B. A., Kupfer, H., Sciaky, N. & Kupfer, A. (1998) Nature (London) 395, 82-86; Grakoui, A., Bromley, S. K., Sumen, C., Davis, M. M., Shaw, A. S., Allen, P. M. & Dustin, M. L. (1999) Science 285, 221-227; and Davis, D. M., Chiu, I., Fassett, M., Cohen, G. B., Mandelboim, O. & Strominger, J. L. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 15062-15067] vividly demonstrate a complex evolution of cell shape and spatial receptor-ligand patterns (several microns in size) in the intercellular junction during immunological synapse formation. The current view is that this dynamic rearrangement of proteins into organized supramolecular activation clusters is driven primarily by active cytoskeletal processes [e.g., Dustin, M. L. & Cooper, J. A. (2000) Nat. Immunol. 1, 23-29; and Wulfing, C. & Davis, M. M. (1998) Science 282, 2266-2269]. Here, aided by a quantitative analysis of the relevant physico-chemical processes, we demonstrate that the essential characteristics of synaptic patterns observed in living cells can result from spontaneous self-assembly processes. Active cellular interventions are superimposed on these self-organizing tendencies and may also serve to regulate the spontaneous processes. We find that the protein binding/dissociation characteristics, protein mobilities, and membrane constraints measured in the cellular environment are delicately balanced such that the length and time scales of spontaneously evolving patterns are in near-quantitative agreement with observations for synapse formation between T cells and supported membranes [Grakoui, A., Bromley, S. K., Sumen, C., Davis, M. M., Shaw, A. S., Allen, P. M. & Dustin, M. L. (1999) Science 285, 221-227]. The model we present provides a common way of analyzing immunological synapse formation in disparate systems (e.g., T cell/antigen-presenting cell junctions with different MHC-peptides, natural killer cells, etc.).

Quantifying the impact of membrane microtopology on effective two-dimensional affinity

Just as interactions of soluble proteins are affected by the solvent, membrane protein binding is influenced by the surface environment. This is particularly true for adhesion receptors because their function requires tightly apposed membranes. We sought to demonstrate, and further, to quantify the possible scale of this phenomenon by comparing the effective affinity and kinetic rates of an adhesion receptor (CD16b) placed in three distinct environments: red blood cells (RBCs), detached Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and K562 cells. Effective affinity reflects both the intrinsic receptor-ligand kinetics and the effectiveness of their presentation by the host membranes. Expression of CD16b, a low affinity Fcgamma receptor, was established by either transfection or spontaneous insertion via its glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Binding to IgG-coated RBCs, measured using a micropipette method, indicated a 50-fold increase in effective affinity for receptors on RBCs over CHO and K562 cells, whereas the off rates were similar for all three. Electron microscopy confirmed that specific tight contacts were broad in RBC-RBC conjugates but sparse in CHO-RBC conjugates. We suggest that through modulation of surface roughness the cytoskeleton can greatly impact the effectiveness of adhesion molecules, even those with no cytoplasmic structures. Implications for locomotion and static adhesion are discussed.

Calculations show substantial serial engagement of T cell receptors

The serial engagement model provides an attractive and plausible explanation for how a typical antigen presenting cell, exhibiting a low density of peptides recognized by a T cell, can initiate T cell responses. If a single peptide displayed by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) can bind, sequentially, to different T cell receptors (TCR), then a few peptides can activate many receptors. To date, arguments supporting and questioning the prevalence of serial engagement have centered on the down-regulation of TCR after contact of T cells with antigen presenting cells. Recently, the existence of serial engagement has been challenged by the demonstration that engagement of TCR can down-regulate nonengaged bystander TCR. Here we show that for binding and dissociation rates that characterize interactions between T cell receptors and peptide-MHC, substantial serial engagement occurs. The result is independent of mechanisms and measurements of receptor down-regulation. The conclusion that single peptide-MHC engage many TCR, before diffusing out of the contact region between the antigen-presenting cell and the T cell, is based on a general first passage time calculation for a particle alternating between states in which different diffusion coefficients govern its transport.

Homophilic interaction of junctional adhesion molecule

Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) is an integral membrane protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, localizes at tight junctions, and regulates both paracellular permeability and leukocyte transmigration. To investigate molecular determinants of JAM function, the extracellular domain of murine JAM was produced as a recombinant soluble protein (rsJAM) in insect cells. rsJAM consisted in large part of noncovalent homodimers, as assessed by analytical ultracentrifugation. JAM dimers were also detected at the surface of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with murine JAM, as evaluated by cross-linking and immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, fluid-phase rsJAM bound dose-dependently solid-phase rsJAM, and such homophilic binding was inhibited by anti-JAM Fab BV11, but not by Fab BV12. Interestingly, Fab BV11 exclusively bound rsJAM dimers (but not monomers) in solution, whereas Fab BV12 bound both dimers and monomers. Finally, we mapped the BV11 and BV12 epitopes to a largely overlapping sequence in proximity of the extracellular amino terminus of JAM. We hypothesize that rsJAM dimerization induces a BV11-positive conformation which in turn is critical for rsJAM homophilic interactions. Dimerization and homophilic binding may contribute to both adhesive function and junctional organization of JAM.

Concurrent binding to multiple ligands: kinetic rates of CD16b for membrane-bound IgG1 and IgG2

CD16b (FcgammaRIIIb) is the most common receptor for the Fc domain of IgG on leukocytes. The binding of Fc receptors to immunoglobulin triggers a wide array of immune responses. In published assays measuring the reaction of CD16b with isotypes of soluble IgG, the affinity for IgG1 was low and that for IgG2 was undetectable. Here we report the first measurement of kinetic rates of CD16b binding to membrane-bound IgG isotypes-a physically distinct and physiologically more relevant presentation-using a recently developed micropipette method. In contrast to the soluble data, we found clearly measurable IgG2 binding, with a forward kinetic rate six-fold lower than that of IgG1 but with an equilibrium affinity only threefold lower. This suggests a nonnegligible role for IgG2 in Fc-mediated immune responses, particularly in longer duration contacts. The binding constants were measured from two sets of experiments. Single-isotype experiments were analyzed by an existing model (, Biophys. J. 75:1553-1572). The resulting kinetic rates were used as input to an extended model (, Biophys. J. 79:1850-1857.) to predict the results of mixed-isotype experiments. This design enabled rigorous validation of the concurrent binding model through a test of its predictive ability.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (CDw150) is homophilic but self-associates with very low affinity

Signaling lymphocytic activating molecule ((SLAM) CDw150) is a glycoprotein that belongs to the CD2 subset of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed on the surface of activated T- and B-cells. It has been proposed that SLAM is homophilic and required for bidirectional signaling during T- and B-cell activation. Previous work has suggested that the affinity of SLAM self-association might be unusually high, undermining the concept that protein interactions mediating transient cell-cell contacts, such as those involving leukocytes, have to be weak in order that such contacts are readily reversible. Using surface plasmon resonance-based methods and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), we confirm that SLAM is homophilic. However, we also establish a new theoretical treatment of surface plasmon resonance-derived homophilic binding data, which indicates that SLAM-SLAM interactions (solution K(d) approximately 200 micrometer) are in fact considerably weaker than most other well characterized protein-protein interactions at the cell surface (solution K(d) approximately 0.4-20 micrometer), a conclusion that is supported by the AUC analysis. Whereas further analysis of the AUC data imply that SLAM could form "head to head" dimers spanning adjacent cells, the very low affinity raises important questions regarding the physiological role and/or properties of such interactions.

The immunological synapse and the actin cytoskeleton: molecular hardware for T cell signaling

The actin cytoskeleton seems to play two critical roles in the activation of T cells. One of these roles is T cell shape development and movement, including formation of the immunological synapse. The other is the formation of a scaffold for signaling components. This review focuses on the recent convergence of cell biology and immunology studies to explain the role of the actin cytoskeleton in creating the molecular basis for immunological synapse formation and T cell signaling.

Adhesive switching of membranes: experiment and theory

We report on a study of a model bioadhesion system: giant vesicles in contact with a supported lipid bilayer. Embedded in both membranes are very low concentrations of homophilic recognition molecules (contact site A receptors) competing with higher concentrations of repeller molecules: polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids. These repellers mimic the inhibiting effect of the cell glycocalyx on adhesion. The effective adhesive interaction between the two membranes is probed by interferometric analysis of thermal fluctuations. We find two competing states of adhesion: initial weak adhesion is followed by slower aggregation of the adhesion molecules into small, tightly bound clusters that coexist with the regions of weak adhesion. We interpret our results in terms of a double-well intermembrane potential, and we present a theoretical analysis of the intermembrane interaction in the presence of mobile repeller molecules at a fixed chemical potential that shows that the interaction potential indeed should have just such a double-well shape. At a fixed repeller concentration we recover a conventional purely repulsive potential. We discuss the implications of our findings in terms of a general amplification mechanism of the action of sparse adhesion molecules by a nonspecific double-well potential. We also discuss the important role of the Helfrich undulation force for the proposed scenario.

Coordinate regulation of T cell activation by CD2 and CD28

T cell activation requires co-engagement of the TCR with accessory and costimulatory molecules. However, the exact mechanism of costimulatory function is unknown. Mice lacking CD2 or CD28 show only mild deficits, demonstrating that neither protein is essential for T cell activation. In this paper we have generated mice lacking both CD2 and CD28. T cells from the double-deficient mice have a profound defect in activation by soluble anti-CD3 Ab and Ag, yet remain responsive to immobilized anti-CD3. This suggests that CD2 and CD28 may function together to facilitate interactions of the T cell and APC, allowing for efficient signal transduction through the TCR.

A functional hot spot for antigen recognition in a superagonist TCR/MHC complex

A longstanding question in T cell receptor signaling is how structurally similar ligands, with similar affinities, can have substantially different biological activity. The crystal structure of the 2C TCR complex of H-2Kb with superagonist peptide SIYR at 2.8 A elucidates a structural basis for TCR discrimination of altered peptide ligands. The difference in antigen potency is modulated by two cavities in the TCR combining site, formed mainly by CDRs 3alpha, 3beta, and 1beta, that complement centrally located peptide residues. This "functional hot spot" allows the TCR to finely discriminate amongst energetically similar interactions within different ligands for those in which the peptide appropriately stabilizes the TCR/pMHC complex and provides a new structural perspective for understanding differential signaling resulting from T cell cross-reactivity.

Cytoskeletal polarization and redistribution of cell-surface molecules during T cell antigen recognition

T cell antigen recognition is accompanied by cytoskeletal polarization towards the APC and large-scale redistribution of cell surface molecules into 'supramolecular activation clusters' (SMACs), forming an organized contact interface termed the 'immunological synapse' (IS). Molecules are arranged in the IS in a micrometer scale bull's eye pattern with a central accumulation of TCR/peptide-MHC (the cSMAC) surrounded by a peripheral ring of adhesion molecules (the pSMAC). We propose that segregation of cell surface molecules on a much smaller scale initiates TCR triggering, which drives the formation of the IS by active transport processes. IS formation may function as a checkpoint for full T cell activation, integrating information on the presence and quality of TCR ligands and the nature and activation state of the APC.

Low affinity binding of an LFA-3/IgG1 fusion protein to CD2+ T cells is independent of cell activation

Quantitative analysis of binding of the bivalent recombinant soluble fusion protein, LFA-3/IgG1, shows that the fusion protein binds to human CD2+ PBLs primarily through low affinity (KD approximately 140 microM) but also through high avidity (90 nM) interactions. The concentration dependence for LFA-3/IgG1 PBL binding took the form of two overlapping bell-shaped curves separated by a clear and reproducible minimum. This was accounted for in part by minor heterogeneity in the LFA-3/IgG1 preparations, and potentially by the ability of the ligand to bind to both CD2 and Fc receptors (FcR), best evidenced by the distinct binding properties of the fusion protein to NK and T cells. The low affinity LFA-3/ IgG1 binding to T cells is consistent with binding to CD2 only, and is in agreement with the low affinity reported for interactions between soluble forms of LFA-3 and CD2 by surface plasmon resonance technology. Moreover, as the low affinity determinations are similar for CD2 on resting and activated T cells, although the CD2 molecule has been reported to be altered to reveal new epitopes upon T cell activation, the binding data argue against multiple cell activation-dependent affinity states of CD2 for LFA-3 binding. This is distinct from that observed with other adhesion partners, and suggests that the different adhesion pathways utilize distinct mechanisms to mediate cell adhesion.

Kinetics and mechanics of cell adhesion

Cell adhesion is mediated by specific interaction between receptors and ligands. Such interaction provides not only physical linkage but also communication between the cell and its environment. The kinetics and mechanics of cell adhesion are coupled, because force can influence the formation and dissociation of receptor-ligand bonds. The kinetic rates and their force dependence determine how likely, how rapidly and how strongly cells bind as well as how long they remain bound. Since adhesion molecules are linked to apposing cellular membranes, their interaction is governed by two-dimensional (2D) kinetics. This is in contrast to the three-dimensional (3D) binding of soluble ligands to cell surface receptors. Unlike the 3D case in which many methods are available for measuring kinetic rates, not until recently have the 2D kinetic rates become experimentally measurable. In this review, I will discuss the recent progress in the experimental methods that enable quantification of the relevant kinetic and mechanical parameters, the fundamental concepts that underlie the physics of the biological phenomena, and the mathematical models that relate functions to the intrinsic properties of the adhesion molecules.

Structure and dimerization of a soluble form of B7-1

B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) are glycoproteins expressed on antigen-presenting cells. The binding of these molecules to the T cell homodimers CD28 and CTLA-4 (CD152) generates costimulatory and inhibitory signals in T cells, respectively. The crystal structure of the extracellular region of B7-1 (sB7-1), solved to 3 A resolution, consists of a novel combination of two Ig-like domains, one characteristic of adhesion molecules and the other previously seen only in antigen receptors. In the crystal lattice, sB7-1 unexpectedly forms parallel, 2-fold rotationally symmetric homodimers. Analytical ultracentrifugation reveals that sB7-1 also dimerizes in solution. The structural data suggest a mechanism whereby the avidity-enhanced binding of B7-1 and CTLA-4 homodimers, along with the relatively high affinity of these interactions, favors the formation of very stable inhibitory signaling complexes.

CD2 sets quantitative thresholds in T cell activation

It has been proposed that CD2, which is highly expressed on T cells, serves to enhance T cell-antigen presenting cell (APC) adhesion and costimulate T cell activation. Here we analyzed the role of CD2 using CD2-deficient mice crossed with transgenic mice expressing a T cell receptor specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-derived peptide p33. We found that absence of CD2 on T cells shifted the p33-specific dose-response curve in vitro by a factor of 3-10. In comparison, stimulation of T cells in the absence of lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 interaction shifted the dose-response curve by a factor of 10, whereas absence of both CD2-CD48 and LFA-1-ICAM-1 interactions shifted the response by a factor of approximately 100. This indicates that CD2 and LFA-1 facilitate T cell activation additively. T cell activation at low antigen density was blocked at its very first steps, as T cell APC conjugate formation, TCR triggering, and Ca(2+) fluxes were affected by the absence of CD2. In vivo, LCMV-specific, CD2-deficient T cells proliferated normally upon infection with live virus but responded in a reduced fashion upon cross-priming. Thus, CD2 sets quantitative thresholds and fine-tunes T cell activation both in vitro and in vivo.

Roles for glycosylation of cell surface receptors involved in cellular immune recognition

The majority of cell surface receptors involved in antigen recognition by T cells and in the orchestration of the subsequent cell signalling events are glycoproteins. The length of a typical N-linked sugar is comparable with that of an immunoglobulin domain (30 A). Thus, by virtue of their size alone, oligosaccharides may be expected to play a significant role in the functions and properties of the cell surface proteins to which they are attached. A databank of oligosaccharide structures has been constructed from NMR and crystallographic data to aid in the interpretation of crystal structures of glycoproteins. As unambiguous electron density can usually only be assigned to the glycan cores, the remainder of the sugar is then modelled into the crystal lattice by superimposing the appropriate oligosaccharide from the database. This approach provides insights into the roles that glycosylation might play in cell surface receptors, by providing models that delineate potential close packing interactions on the cell surface. It has been proposed that the specific recognition of antigen by T cells results in the formation of an immunological synapse between the T cell and the antigen-presenting cell. The cell adhesion glycoproteins, such as CD2 and CD48, help to form a cell junction, providing a molecular spacer between opposing cells. The oligosaccharides located on the membrane proximal domains of CD2 and CD48 provide a scaffold to orient the binding faces, which leads to increased affinity. In the next step, recruitment of the peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) by the T-cell receptors (TCRs) requires mobility on the membrane surface. The TCR sugars are located such that they could prevent non-specific aggregation. Importantly, the sugars limit the possible geometry and spacing of TCR/MHC clusters which precede cell signalling. We postulate that, in the final stage, the sugars could play a general role in controlling the assembly and stabilisation of the complexes in the synapse and in protecting them from proteolysis during prolonged T-cell engagement.

Adhesion-induced receptor segregation and adhesion plaque formation: A model membrane study

A model system to study the control of cell adhesion by receptor-mediated specific forces, universal interactions, and membrane elasticity is established. The plasma membrane is mimicked by reconstitution of homophilic receptor proteins into solid supported membranes and, together with lipopolymers, into giant vesicles with the polymers forming an artificial glycocalix. The homophilic cell adhesion molecule contact site A, a lipid-anchored glycoprotein from cells of the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, is used as receptor. The success of the reconstitution, the structure and the dynamics of the model membranes are studied by various techniques including film balance techniques, micro fluorescence, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, electron microscopy, and phase contrast microscopy. The interaction of the functionalized giant vesicles with the supported bilayer is studied by reflection interference contrast microscopy, and the adhesion strength is evaluated quantitatively by a recently developed technique. At low receptor concentrations adhesion-induced receptor segregation in the membranes leads to decomposition of the contact zone between membranes into domains of strong (receptor-mediated) adhesion and regions of weak adhesion while continuous zones of strong adhesion form at high receptor densities. The adhesion strengths (measured in terms of the spreading pressure S) of the various states of adhesion are obtained locally by analysis of the vesicle contour near the contact line in terms of elastic boundary conditions of adhesion: the balance of tensions and moments. The spreading pressure of the weak adhesion zones is S approximately 10(-9) J/m(2) and is determined by the interplay of gravitation and undulation forces whereas the spreading pressure of the tight adhesion domains is of the order S approximately 10(-6) J/m(2).

Mechanical anchoring strength of L-selectin, beta2 integrins, and CD45 to neutrophil cytoskeleton and membrane

The strength of anchoring of transmembrane receptors to cytoskeleton and membrane is important in cell adhesion and cell migration. With micropipette suction, we applied pulling forces to human neutrophils adhering to latex beads that were coated with antibodies to CD62L (L-selectin), CD18 (beta2 integrins), or CD45. In each case, the adhesion frequency between the neutrophil and bead was low, and our Monte Carlo simulation indicates that only a single bond was probably involved in every adhesion event. When the adhesion between the neutrophil and bead was ruptured, it was very likely that receptors were extracted from neutrophil surfaces. We found that it took 1-2 s to extract an L-selectin at a force range of 25-45 pN, 1-4 s to extract a beta2 integrin at a force range of 60-130 pN, and 1-11 s to extract a CD45 at a force range of 35-85 pN. Our results strongly support the conclusion that, during neutrophil rolling, L-selectin is unbound from its ligand when the adhesion between neutrophils and endothelium is ruptured.