Chemokine-induced cell swelling fluidises the plasma membrane to regulate CD8+ T cell migration

de Boer, L. L.; Gurdap, C. O.; Sezgin, E.

doi:10.64898/2026.10.07.757276

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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.10.07.757276

Chemokine-induced cell swelling fluidises the plasma membrane to regulate CD8+ T cell migration

de Boer, L. L.·Gurdap, C. O.·Sezgin, E.

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Abstract

T cell migration is primarily viewed as a cytoskeletal process. Here, we show that chemokine-stimulated CD8+ T cell migration is modulated by a volume-driven biophysical switch at the plasma membrane (PM). We found that chemokine-induced cell swelling creates an adhesion-dependent gradient of high PM fluidity at the leading edge. External chemical fluidisation of the PM using membrane modulators enhances migration similar to chemokine-induced fluidisation without the need of cell-swelling. Together, our findings identify PM fluidity as a tuneable biophysical gatekeeper that controls T cell migration, potentially providing a novel mechanical tool for optimising adoptive cell therapies in restrictive tissue microenvironments.

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de Boer, L. L., Gurdap, C. O., Sezgin, E.. 2026-10-13. Chemokine-induced cell swelling fluidises the plasma membrane to regulate CD8+ T cell migration. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.07.757276

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