To use or not to use the force: How B lymphocytes extract surface-tethered antigens

Using an exquisite cell imaging approach based on DNA nanosensors, Spillane and Tolar (2016. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201607064) explore how the physical properties of antigen-presenting cell surfaces affect how B cells internalize surface-tethered antigens. Soft and flexible surfaces promote mechanical force-mediated antigen extraction, whereas stiff surfaces lead to enzyme-mediated antigen release before subsequent internalization.