Here, we describe a detailed protocol of how to manufacture biomimetic, host receptor-functionalized membranes and how to use them in adhesion assays. Receptor-functionalized membranes have the advantage that the receptor identity and the receptor density can be controlled, which, in turn, enables studies on the kinetics, dynamics and biomechanics of receptor/ligand interactions. Such information is difficult to obtain from currently used in vitro systems, including cultured primary human microvascular endothelial cells or receptor-coated surfaces, which often display either multiple receptors or receptors with uncertain density and arrangement.
Keywords: Cell adhesion; Host receptor; Supported membranes.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.