Immune Cells Squeeze Through Cellular Barriers

In summary, immune cells, specifically white blood cells, are able to move through the lining of blood vessels and bowel epithelium in a process called Trans-Endothelial cell Migration (TEM) or diapedesis. This process allows the cells to travel to the site of injury or infection, but must be done without damaging the blood vessel. The mechanism behind this process has been a topic of discussion among scientists for some time.
  • #1
Monique
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Our immune cells are able to squeeze themselves through cellular barriers such as the lining of blood vessels and bowel epithelium.

I am wondering: how do they do that, exactly which cells do it, and are they also able to go through tight junctions?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
"NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Under normal conditions white blood cells, or leukocytes, circulate in the blood stream waiting to be called by damaged tissue to the site of injury or infection. Movement of the leukocytes into the damaged tissue from the blood requires the cells to squeeze between the endothelial cells that line the blood vessel walls. This rapid process is called Trans-Endothelial cell Migration (TEM), or diapedesis, and leads to the normal inflammation of the tissue. However the white blood cell must migrate through the endothelial cells of the vessel wall without jeopardizing the integrity of the blood vessel. Just how this is accomplished has long been a source of debate among biologists and immunologists."

http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/03/4.3.03/Weill-recycle_cells.html
 
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  • #3
Originally posted by Adrian
Just how this is accomplished has long been a source of debate among biologists and immunologists."
so I asked the right question, let me take a look at the link..
 

What are immune cells?

Immune cells are specialized cells in the body that play a crucial role in defending against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They are part of the immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections and preventing illness.

How do immune cells move through cellular barriers?

Immune cells are able to move through cellular barriers, such as blood vessel walls, by using a process called diapedesis. During diapedesis, the immune cells are able to change their shape and squeeze through small openings in the cellular barriers, allowing them to reach the site of infection or injury.

What is the purpose of immune cells squeezing through cellular barriers?

The purpose of immune cells squeezing through cellular barriers is to reach the site of infection or injury quickly and effectively. This allows them to eliminate the foreign invaders and prevent the spread of infection, which helps to protect the body from illness and disease.

What happens to immune cells after they squeeze through cellular barriers?

Once immune cells have successfully squeezed through cellular barriers, they continue to travel to the site of infection or injury. There, they can either directly attack and destroy the foreign invaders or signal other immune cells to join in the fight.

Can anything prevent immune cells from squeezing through cellular barriers?

While immune cells are highly efficient at squeezing through cellular barriers, there are certain factors that can hinder their movement. These include inflammation, which can make the cellular barriers thicker and more difficult to pass through, and certain diseases or medications that can affect the immune system and its ability to fight infections.

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