TCRs recognize peptides on MHC mole

TCRs recognize peptides on MHC molecules and induce downstream signaling, leading to activation and clonal expansion. In addition to the strength of the interactionof TCRs with peptides on MHC molecules, mechanical forces contribute to optimal T cell activation, as reflected by the superior efficiency of immobilized TCR–crosslinking Abs compared with soluble Abs in TCR triggering, although a dedicated mechanotransduction moduleis not identified. We found that the professional mechanosensor protein Piezo1 is critically involved in human T cell activation. Although a deficiency in Piezo1 attenuates downstream events on ex vivo TCR triggering, a Piezo1 agonist can obviate the need to immobilize TCR–cross-linking Abs. Piezo1-driven Ca2+ influx, leading to calpain activation and organization of cortical actin scaffold, links this mechanosensor to optimal TCR signaling. Thus, we discovered a hitherto unknown regulatory mechanism for human T cell activation and provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, for the involvement of Piezo1 mechanosensors in immune regulation.