A Biophysical Model of Cell Adhesion Mediated by Immunoadhesin Drugs and Antibodies
2011

Model of Immunoadhesin-Mediated Cell Adhesion

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gutenkunst Ryan N., Coombs Daniel, Starr Toby, Dustin Michael L., Goldstein Byron

Primary Institution: Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona

Hypothesis

What properties of a drug, the cells that express the target protein, and the NK cells determine a drug's ability to discriminate between pathogenic and healthy cells?

Conclusion

The study presents a model that better explains the adhesion of Jurkat T cells mediated by the drug alefacept, suggesting that immobile epitopes play a significant role in this process.

Supporting Evidence

  • The model incorporates immobility of epitopes and potential nonspecific adhesion forces.
  • The study suggests that the immobile epitope fraction may change with cell adhesion.
  • Results indicate that the minimal ligand concentration for adhesion is inversely related to the square of the target cell epitope density.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain drugs help immune cells stick to other cells, which is important for fighting diseases. It finds that some parts of the cells stay still and help this sticking happen better.

Methodology

The study uses an equilibrium model to analyze the adhesion of Jurkat T cells to bilayers with mobile receptors, incorporating factors like epitope density and immobility.

Limitations

The model may underestimate the epitope density on Jurkat T cells, indicating that other factors could influence adhesion.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019701

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