Single cell force spectroscopy of T cells recognizing a myelin-derived peptide on antigen presenting cells

▶ The interaction force between T-cells and APC can be measured precisely by atomic force microscopy. ▶ In the presence of antigen, the interaction forces increase with time and reach a maximum after 20-30 min. ▶ The increase in interaction forces correlates with immune synapse maturation. ▶ High interaction forces depend on ICAM-1/LFA-1 binding. ▶ High interaction forces will facilitate optimal TCR-MHC interaction and T-cell activation.