Fig. 3.

Aligned collagen gels decrease T cell protrusions and interact with the matrix less. (A) Reflective confocal images of T cell morphology within aligned and unaligned collagen gels (phalloidin in green, collagen fibers in red; nuclei in blue). Arrowheads indicate cellular protrusions (B) Number of projections extended per cell during 20 minute time-lapse videos in unaligned and aligned fiber gels. (C) Area of projections extended by T cells during time lapse. (D) Deformation plot showing magnitude and direction of displacement with respect to embedded cells (outline). (E) Maximum overall displacement of beads indicative of deformation of the collagen matrix by T cells. (F) Speed of traction force beads over time lapse. At least 20 cells were analyzed for each condition. This experiment was independently repeated three times * indicates p < 0.05. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)