David M. Versluis @davidversluis.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Finally, we show how in slow-moving cells (think macrophages) a decaying autoattractant can lead to a variety of different outcomes, from clumping to leader-follower, and how a close association just shy of clumping causes the best chemotaxis. 110
David M. Versluis @davidversluis.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Next, we show how a decaying autoattractant can be much more robust than a broken down autoattractant. 110
David M. Versluis @davidversluis.bsky.social · 07/10/2026We have the simulated immune cells migrate along a self-generated gradient, and produce an autoattractant in ratio to the attractant destroyed. First, we show that autoattractant must both be made and broken down to function and that saturable receptors lead to optimal autoattractant lifetimes. 100
David M. Versluis @davidversluis.bsky.social · 07/10/2026I have a new paper out: Communication through autoattractants can enhance and limit collective migration of immune cells journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol... We show how complex interactions emerge around a secreted attractant, and you can play with the model online: chemotaxis.org/autoattracta... 2177