Khismatullin, Damir B. 2009. “The Cytoskeleton and Deformability of White Blood Cells”. Current Topics in Membranes 64: 47-111.
Abstract
White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, migrate to sites of infection to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The ability of WBCs to deform is essential for this function but it is also an important determinant of healthy vasculature. This chapter analyzes the effects of leukocyte deformability on leukocyte–endothelial interactions, presents the evidence for the critical role of the cytoskeleton in bulk mechanical properties of leukocytes, summarizes recent advances in rheological measurements of leukocytes, and discusses pathologies associated with leukocyte activation and reduced deformability of these cells.