Quantifying T cell morphodynamics and migration in 3D collagen matrices

Abstract: T cells undergo large shape changes (morphodynamics) when migrating. While progress has been made elucidating the molecular basis of cell migration, statistical characterization of morphodynamics and migration has been limited, particularly in physiologically realistic 3D environments. A previous study (H. Cavanagh et al., J. R. Soc. Interface 19: 20220081) found discrete states of dynamics as well as periodic oscillations of shape. However, we show that these results are due to artifacts of the analysis methods. Here, we present a revised analysis of the data, applying a method based on an underdamped Langevin equation. We find that different shape modes have different correlation times. We also find novel non-Gaussian effects. This study provides a framework in which quantitative comparisons of cell morphodynamics and migration can be made, e.g. between different biological conditions or mechanistic models.