When dendritic cells migrate through narrow gaps, they transiently assemble a mechanosensitive actin structure in front of their nucleus. This structure pushes outward against the surrounding tissue to help widen a path so the bulky cell body can pass through. At the same time, it acts as a mechanical ‘capacitor’ that helps the cell to balance forward protrusion at the leading edge and outward protrusion at the cell body.
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This is a summary of: Reis-Rodrigues, P. et al. Migrating immune cells globally coordinate protrusive forces. Nat. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02211-w (2025).
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How leukocytes push their way through tissues. Nat Immunol 26, 1225–1226 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02242-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02242-3
