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Because beta-2 integrins are the primary molecule responsible for the activation and arrest of leukocytes on the blood vessel endothelium, a means of probing integrin bond strength would provide insight into means of perturbing leukocyte recruitment. In conjunction with the Heinrich lab, we have constructed a Biomembrane Force Probe (BFB) which is capable of probing the strength of individual leukocyte adhesion bonds. A single red blood cell is used as a spring with known spring constant, allowing us to precisely measure the force applied to the interface between a leukocyte and a bead coated with the molecule of interest from the cell displacement. This technique will allow us to determine the contribution of individual integrins and selectins to the overall strength of adhesion between a leukocyte and an endothelial cells. Of particular interest is the relative strength of the beta-2 integrins under the influence of drugs that alter the molecular shape of the integrin.
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