Immunoreceptor catch bonds

Catch bonds are molecular bonds that last longer under force, contrasting to slip bonds that last shorter under force. Catch bonds have been demonstrated in several immunoreceptors and other molecules in immune cells. Important immunological functions mediated by catch bonds include cell adhesion under fluid flow, cell motility and immunological synapse formation, and immunoreceptor mechanosensing. Increasing force strengthens catch bonds by inducing structural changes to allow for additional noncovalent contacts to form between interacting molecules. Recent work suggests that TCR catch bonds are more predictive of T cell function than affinity. Thus, studies of immunoreceptor catch bonds may help develop treatment strategies for various diseases including infectious diseases, immune disorders, and cancer.