Micro- and Nanoengineering of the Cell Surface

Chapter 9

Cell Surface Enzymatic Engineering-Based Approaches to Improve Cellular Therapies

Ayman F. Abuelela, Kosuke Sakashita and Jasmeen S. Merzaban,    Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The cell surface represents the interface between the cell and its environment. As such, the cell surface controls cell–cell interactions and functions such as adhesion and migration, and will transfer external cues to regulate processes such as survival, death, and differentiation. Redefining the cell surface by temporarily (or permanently) modifying the molecular landscape of the plasma membrane affects the way in which the cell interacts with its environment ...