Figure 2.

Integrin activation and integrin–ligand force crosstalk. a) The integrin conformation changes integrin and their thermodynamics during activation. b) Integrin–ligand interaction follows a catch–slip bond transition. When the force F is applied to the ligand‐bound integrin is lower than the optimal bond force (F _B), the bond lifetime rises with force. When F surpasses F _B, the bond lifetime declines with force. c) External force can trigger clustering. d) Integrin clustering regulated by glycocalyx.