Project Details
Projekt
Interactions Between Macrophages and Lung Epithelia: Mechanical Properties of Cellular Contacts and Implications for Collective Dynamics
Subject Area
Cell Biology
Biophysics
Biophysics
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564722927
Macrophages are crucial components of the innate immune system, responsible for engulfing dying cells, cell debris, immune complexes, and bacteria. They also produce growth factors and signaling molecules to protect the host and maintain homeostasis. Our focus is on the interaction between alveolar macrophages and pneumocytes. While there is some understanding of the biochemical pathways involved, the role of mechanical forces in the interactions between macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells during inflammation and homeostasis remains completely unexplored. By employing a unique combination of biophysical tools such as metal-induced energy transfer (MIET) imaging, electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS), and colloidal probe microscopy, we aim to investigate the transmission of mechanical forces between alveolar macrophages (e.g., MH-S, RAW 264.7) and pneumocytes (A549 or CI-hAELVi cells), as well as among epithelial cells. Our focus will be on key adhesion molecules like LFA-1, ICAM-1, and E-cadherin. In addition to quantifying intercellular forces, we plan to monitor the spatiotemporal correlation of cell-substrate distance fluctuations of pneumocytes in response to macrophage activity (polarization). Using electrochemical methods combined with superresolution optical microscopy, we will explore how macrophage activity affects barrier function and membrane fluctuations. Our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how macrophages interact with epithelial cells through mechanical signals, leading to changes in their active state and barrier properties. This knowledge has significant implications for pathological conditions such as lung injuries (tissue damage) and chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, allergic reactions, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
