Judith Mandl

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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 Oct 31

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 Oct 31

"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 Oct 31