IntroductionCells communicate mechanically by applying tension across cell-cell and cell-environment adhesions1,2,3,4,5. The transduction of specific signals across these adhesive junctions relies on the force-dependent behaviour of the receptors and ligands. Many biochemical pathways activate as a response to external force, and the degree of this activation can vary depending on the magnitude, direction, loading period, and loading rate of mechanical strain. For example, T-cell receptor (TCR) ...