Fig. 8. β2 integrins, together with the downstream adaptors Talin1 and Vinculin, mediate a mechanosensitive checkpoint that dictates differential treatment of stiff and soft cargo.

Stiff cargo fully engages β2 integrins and their downstream effectors, leading to rapid “gulping” phagocytosis (left). Conversely, soft cargo induces a distinct type of integrin contact, potentially involving a yet-to-be determined signaling component (denoted by the question mark), leading to the formation of central actin protrusions and a “stalling” response (right).