The role of nuclear mechanics in cell deformation under creeping flows.

•Fully coupled fluid–solid simulation of a cell under creeping flows is performed.•The mechanical role of the different cell parts (membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm) in the global deformation of the cell is investigated.•The size and mechanical properties of cell nucleus slightly modifies cell deformation.•Different mechanical environments of the cell nucleus are obtained for the different nuclear sizes and mechanical properties, which could be correlated with cell processes such as differentiation, proliferation and death.