The effect of applied force on neutrophil contact area

Hydrodynamic forces in the vasculature play a significant role in recruitment of neutrophils to inflamed tissues. A model is used to examine how such forces may modulate cell adhesion by changing the size and configuration of the contact area between the cell and the substrate. We consider two ways in which force might affect the formation of an adhesive contact: first, by increasing the size of the macroscopic region of contact, and second, by modifying membrane topography in the contact zone. As a first step to validate the model, the relationship between force and macroscopic contact area between a neutrophil and a target surface is measured using a microcantilever.