Monitoring migration of activated T cells to antigen-rich non-lymphoid tissue

Abstract

Effective immunity requires appropriate recirculation of naïve T cells through secondary lymphoid organs and migration of antigen-specific T cells to sites of inflammation. Leukocyte migration is a highly regulated process requiring specific interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells (EC) termed collectively as the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Recruitment and retention of activated T cells to antigen-rich sites of inflammation is a key event in the immune response, which relies in part on local antigen presentation particularly by EC of inflamed vessels. Here we describe methods to assess the contributions of different molecules on antigen-dependent T cell migration, by utilizing IFN-γ to upregulate MHC molecules on EC and local antigen presentation, both in vitro and in vivo.