This work was supported by SNF grants PPOOA-_119204 and PPOOP3_144918 to S.W.R. We thank E. Palmer and B.T.H. Hausmann for mice and technical expertise.

In this video publication and protocol, all animal procedures were conducted in accordance to the animal protocol approved by the Cantonal Authority Basel-Stadt, Switzerland. Perform all procedures in sterile conditions where possible.
1. Preparation of Surgery
<ol>
	<li>Autoclave all surgical instruments and gauze before use.</li>
	<li>Heat the warm pad and organize surgical instruments on the table (Table of Materials/Methods).</li>
	<li>Open the finger strip bandages. Apply petroleum jelly on the wound pad with a cotton swab (make sure the gauze is completely covered).</li>
	<li>Weigh the mice and administer analgesia Buprenorphine 0.05 mg/kg body weight. Note: this will provide analgesia immediately after transplantation.</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation of the Tail-skin for Transplantation
<ol>
	<li>Euthanize donor mice (e.g., I-Abm12) per CO2 asphyxiation and disinfect the tails with disinfection solution before excision.</li>
	<li>Position the tail with the black stripe down on a clean plastic board and cut it longitudinally throughout the middle line, making a superficial incision involving only the skin layer.</li>
	<li>Pull off the skin from the tail using gripping forceps.</li>
	<li>Put the tail-skin in a 10 cm cell culture dish filled with 10 ml HBSS.</li>
</ol>
3. Surgical Procedure
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize recipient mice (e.g., C57BL/6) by inhalation of a 3% isofluorane solution in a transparent induction box. Note: It takes 3-5 min for the mouse to reach surgical plane anesthesia. Use vet ointment on eyes to prevent dryness while under anesthesia.</li>
	<li>Place mouse on the warm pad and apply 1.5% isofluorane via a mouth mask and asses each animal reflex by toe pinching.</li>
	<li>Shave the dorsal site of the recipient mice (e.g., C57BL/6) and remove contaminating hairs using a dry gauze swab.</li>
	<li>Disinfect shaved transplantation site with aseptic solution.</li>
	<li>Pinch the skin with forceps in the middle/right site of the dorsum and use curved scissors to make a round incision of about 1 x 0.6 cm.</li>
	<li>If bleeding occurs, then clean the wound with a sterile cotton swab.</li>
	<li>Evaluate the size of the incision and cut a transplant of the estimated size from the tail-skin using the scalpel.</li>
	<li>Trim corners to round the transplant.</li>
	<li>Load the transplant on the scalpel, dry excess of HBSS on a sterile cotton swab and place it in the graft bed of the recipient mouse.</li>
	<li>Avoid overlapping of donor and host skin and apply tissue adhesive on the contact zone exclusively.</li>
	<li>Apply a plaster without creases around the mouse waist.</li>
	<li>Apply adhesive non-elastic bandage to fix the plaster to the mouse (3 mm shifted).</li>
	<li>Incise with the scissors about 3 mm in the upper ventral site of the bandage. Note: This is to avoid trapping of the mouse&#8217;s teeth during the recovery phase.</li>
	<li>Remove the anesthetic-mouth-mask and keep the transplanted mice on the heating pad until awake.</li>
	<li>Return transplanted mice to their cages only when fully recovered and assess their mobility to ensure that the bandage is not too tight.</li>
	<li>Sterilize all surgical instruments with 70% ethanol before proceeding with next surgery.</li>
</ol>
4. Post-operative Care
<ol>
	<li>Add paracetamol-containing syrup to the drinking water (4 mg/ml) and administer it for 7 days.</li>
	<li>Return mouse to the animal room once it has recovered.</li>
	<li>Closely monitor mice for clinical signs including depression or other behavioral changes (eating or immobility), abnormal appearance (lack of grooming) or posture (pilo-erection or hunched posture) for the time the bandage is in place (1 week).</li>
</ol>
5. Bandage Removal (6-7 Days Post-transplantation)
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize mice by inhalation of a 3% Isofluorane solution in a transparent induction box (see above).</li>
	<li>Cut bandage and plaster with artery scissors and carefully remove them. Note: avoid stretching of the transplant site.</li>
	<li>Monitor the transplanted mice for clinical signs (see 4.3) and score for rejection of skin grafts (Table 1). Note: The graft score system takes advantage of the different hair textures on the tail-skin compared to the dorsal-skin. The appearance of the transplant and its rejection is categorized in 3 grades. Allogeneic skin (MHC II mismatched, e.g., I-Abm12) grafts of C57BL/6 immunocompetent mice are usually rejected within 12-15 days post transplantation (own data and 15-20).</li>
</ol>

<ol>
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D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunologic+unresponsiveness+to+alloantigen+in+vivo.+a+role+for+regulatory+T+cells.">Immunologic unresponsiveness to alloantigen in vivo. a role for regulatory T cells.</a> Immunological reviews. 241 (1), 119-132 (2011).</li><li>Sykes, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immune+tolerance:+mechanisms+and+application+in+clinical+transplantation.">Immune tolerance: mechanisms and application in clinical transplantation.</a> Journal of Internal Medicine. 262 (3), 288-310 (2007).</li><li>McFarland, H. I., Rosenberg, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Skin+allograft+rejection..">Skin allograft rejection..</a> Current protocols in immunology. , (2009).</li><li>McKenzie, I. F., Morgan, G. M., Sandrin, M. S., Michaelides, M. M., Melvold, R. W., Kohn, H. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=B6.C-H-2bm12.+A+new+H-2+mutation+in+the+I+region+in+the+mouse.">B6.C-H-2bm12. A new H-2 mutation in the I region in the mouse.</a> The Journal of experimental medicine. 150 (6), 1323-1338 (1979).</li><li>McIntyre, K. R., Seidman, J. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nucleotide+sequence+of+mutant+I-A+beta+bm12+gene+is+evidence+for+genetic+exchange+between+mouse+immune+response+genes.">Nucleotide sequence of mutant I-A beta bm12 gene is evidence for genetic exchange between mouse immune response genes.</a> Nature. 308 (5959), 551-553 (1984).</li><li>Stuart, P. M., Beck-Maier, B., Melvold, R. 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S., Singer, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+basis+of+skin+allograft+rejection:+an+in+vivo+model+of+immune-mediated+tissue+destruction.">Cellular basis of skin allograft rejection: an in vivo model of immune-mediated tissue destruction.</a> Annual Review of Immunology. 10, 333-358 (1992).</li><li>Kingsley, C. I., Nadig, S. N., Wood, K. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transplantation+tolerance:+lessons+from+experimental+rodent+models.">Transplantation tolerance: lessons from experimental rodent models.</a> Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation. 20 (10), 828-841 (2007).</li><li>Larsen, C. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+acceptance+of+skin+and+cardiac+allografts+after+blocking+CD40+and+CD28+pathways.">Long-term acceptance of skin and cardiac allografts after blocking CD40 and CD28 pathways.</a> Nature. 381 (6581), 434-438 (1996).</li><li>Tomura, M., Nakatani, I., Murachi, M., Tai, X. G., Toyo-oka, K., Fujiwara, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Suppression+of+allograft+responses+induced+by+interleukin-6,+which+selectively+modulates+interferon-gamma+but+not+interleukin-2+production.">Suppression of allograft responses induced by interleukin-6, which selectively modulates interferon-gamma but not interleukin-2 production.</a> Transplantation. 64 (5), 757-763 (1997).</li><li>Ring, G. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interferon-gamma+is+necessary+for+initiating+the+acute+rejection+of+major+histocompatibility+complex+class+II-disparate+skin+allografts.">Interferon-gamma is necessary for initiating the acute rejection of major histocompatibility complex class II-disparate skin allografts.</a> Transplantation. 67 (10), 1362-1365 (1999).</li><li>Rosenberg, A. S., Finbloom, D. S., Maniero, T. G., Vander Meide, P. 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Evidence for three states of MHC expression with distinct roles for IFN-gamma.</a> Journal of immunology. 155 (10), 4559-4566 (1995).</li><li>Surquin, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IL-4+deficiency+prevents+eosinophilic+rejection+and+uncovers+a+role+for+neutrophils+in+the+rejection+of+MHC+class+II+disparate+skin+grafts.">IL-4 deficiency prevents eosinophilic rejection and uncovers a role for neutrophils in the rejection of MHC class II disparate skin grafts.</a> Transplantation. 80 (10), 1485-1492 (2005).</li><li>Gaylo, A. E., Laux, K. S., Batzel, E. J., Berg, M. E., Field, K. 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The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Skin transplantation is a widely used method for studying rejection and tolerance dependent on T cells. Since the skin transplantation model was established, several adaptations and changes have been applied. In the described procedure, I-Abm12 tail-skin transplantation is performed using anesthetic gas (isofluorane). The use of gas anesthesia decreases the time of execution and mice recovery, which diminishes the stress on transplanted mice. The procedure employs tissue adhesive to fix the tail-skin, which te...

Transplantation of solid organs such as skin, heart and kidneys is now a standard procedure in medical practice worldwide1. Successfully transplanted organs can be rejected by activation of the recipient immune system, which recognizes the major histocompatibility antigens of the donor. Therefore transplanted patients need treatment with immunosuppressive drugs2. Allogeneic skin transplantation in mice was established by Medawar and colleagues in 1955 and was helpful for identifying the targeted molecules later described as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II. Since then, the skin transplantation model has been continuously modified and adapted to study the role of T cell subsets and the relevance of chemical and biological intervention in suppressing graft rejection2-4. Skin from the ear and trunk are more difficult to prepare and are more susceptible to hypoxia and necrosis than tail-skin5; however, the transplantation procedure is similar. In addition the monitoring of tail-skin transplants is easy due to the characteristic hair texture of the skin.
This article provides a detailed procedure for MHC class II mismatch tail-skin transplantation that allows for the study of different aspects of CD4+ T cell-mediated allograft rejection and tolerance in mice. The natural three-point mutation in the MHC class II molecule I-Ab (called I-Abm12)6-9 is sufficient to induce rejection of skin allografts in C57BL/6 mice8. The I-Abm12 molecule activates CD4+ T cells with various &#945;&#946;-T cell receptor (TcR) chains from C57BL/6 mice, among which V&#945;2V&#946;8-TcR-specific T cells were identified in order to generate a TcR-transgenic mouse10. The adoptive transfer of V&#945;2V&#946;8-TcR-specific T cells has been used to establish a rejection model in immunodeficient C57BL/6 Rag2-/- mice transplanted with I-Abm12 skin.
Genetic differences between donor and recipient impact the outcome of transplant acceptance and rejection. There are different types of transplants: autografts are transplants from the recipient individual itself; syngrafts and allografts are transplants from genetically identical and genetically unrelated individuals respectively. Acceptance of different allogeneic organ transplants has been demonstrated by chemical and biological intervention in patients and mouse models11,3,4. In a basic approach, anti-CD3 antibody-treated C57BL/6 mice showed prolonged survival of I-Abm12 tail-skin (unpublished data). Depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells before transplantation in recipient mice resulted in acceptance of MHC class I and II mismatched grafts (rev. in 12). Interestingly, rejection of skin grafts depends on the presence of CD4+ T cells (rev. in 12). In this model, targeting specific interactions between different immune cells by blocking costimulatory molecules with antibodies or suppression with regulatory T cells might induce tolerance (unpublished data). Indeed, blocking both CD40 and CD28 led to long-term skin allograft tolerance13,14.
Tail-skin transplantation is easy to perform and easy to monitor compared to transplantation of other organs. In addition, tail-skin transplants are easy to prepare and are less susceptible to ischemia than other skin tissues. In contrast to injected anesthetics, the use of anesthetic gas (isofluorane) during transplantation shortens both the procedure and recipient recovery time. Curling of the tail-skin transplant, which may lead to incomplete wound healing and graft rejection, is prevented by application of tissue adhesive. Furthermore, the I-Abm12 tail-skin transplantation model exclusively activates CD4+ T cells in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice (of the same genetic background) facilitating the interpretation of the results.
This protocol describes a reliable, reproducible and easily monitored mouse model that allows for chemical and biological intervention. The model is intended for investigating rejection and tolerance induction of tail-skin transplants.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="831">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Name of Material/ Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:231px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Betadine Standard solution</td>
			<td>Mundipharma</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Cotton swab</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Carl Roth GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">31025060</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Dafalgan , UPSA</td>
			<td>Bristol Myers Squibb SA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Hansaplast Finger Strips</td>
			<td>Beierdorf AG</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">REF.76861</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Histoacryl Tissue adhesive</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Braun</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">REF.1050052</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Leukotape classic , 2cm x 10 m</td>
			<td>BSN Medical SAS</td>
			<td>REF.02204-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">PBS, Phosphate-Buffered Saline, pH 7.4</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Invitrogen</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">10010015</td>
			<td>GIBCO</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Sterile gauze, 5 x 5cm, 8ply</td>
			<td>MaiMed GmbH</td>
			<td>21010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Surgical instruments&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">11003-12</td>
			<td>Narrow pattern forceps,&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;"></td>
			<td style="width:183px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14095-11</td>
			<td>Fine iris scissor curved,</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;"></td>
			<td style="width:183px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14094-11</td>
			<td>Fine iris scissor&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;"></td>
			<td style="width:183px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14010-15</td>
			<td>Mayo scissors,</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;"></td>
			<td style="width:183px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14080-11</td>
			<td>Artery scissors ball tip 11.5 cm&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;"></td>
			<td style="width:183px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;">11021-14</td>
			<td>Tissue forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Surgical Blade No.20</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Swann-Morton LTD</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">3006</td>
			<td>Carbon Steel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Surgical blade Handles</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Swann-Morton LTD</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Syringe, 1ml</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">ARTSANA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>disposable</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Temgesic , Buprenorphine</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">ESSEX Chemie AG</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>0.3mg/ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Tissue Culture dishes 10 cm, 60.1 cm2</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">TPP</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Vaseline</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Vifor SA</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:299px;">Warm pad</td>
			<td style="width:183px;">Solis</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td>Type 223</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

transplantation of tail skin to study allogeneic cd4 t cell responses in mice

The study of T cell responses and their consequences during allo-antigen recognition requires a model that enables one to distinguish between donor and host T cells, to easily monitor the graft, and to adapt the system in order to answer different immunological questions. Medawar and colleagues established allogeneic tail-skin transplantation in mice in 1955. Since then, the skin transplantation model has been continuously modified and adapted to answer specific questions. The use of tail-skin renders this model easy to score for graft rejection, requires neither extensive preparation nor deep anesthesia, is applicable to animals of all genetic background, discourages ischemic necrosis, and permits chemical and biological intervention. 
In general, both CD4+ and CD8+ allogeneic T cells are responsible for the rejection of allografts since they recognize mismatched major histocompatibility antigens from different mouse strains. Several models have been described for activating allogeneic T cells in skin-transplanted mice. The identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules in different mouse strains including C57BL/6 mice was an important step toward understanding and studying T cell-mediated alloresponses. In the tail-skin transplantation model described here, a three-point mutation (I-Abm12) in the antigen-presenting groove of the MHC-class II (I-Ab) molecule is sufficient to induce strong allogeneic CD4+ T cell activation in C57BL/6 mice. Skin grafts from I-Abm12 mice on C57BL/6 mice are rejected within 12-15 days, while syngeneic grafts are accepted for up to 100 days. The absence of T cells (CD3-/- and Rag2-/- mice) allows skin graft acceptance up to 100 days, which can be overcome by transferring 2 x 104 wild type or transgenic T cells. Adoptively transferred T cells proliferate and produce IFN-&#947; in I-Abm12-transplanted Rag2-/- mice.

In a first approach C57BL/6 mice were transplanted with I-Abm12 allografts and I-Ab syngrafts. After bandage removal, grafts manifest signs of wound healing without closure of the contact zone in C57BL/6 mice (Figure 1A). After bandage removal, CD4+ T cell-mediated inflammation led to the appearance of necrotic areas (red spots) and rejection of I-Abm12 allografts in C57BL/6 mice within 13 days after transplantation (Figure 1B-C, filled symbols...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Transplantation of Tail Skin to Study Allogeneic CD4 T Cell Responses in Mice at JoVE.com

Transplantation of Tail Skin to Study Allogeneic CD4 T Cell Responses in Mice

Tail-skin transplantation is a powerful model for studying T cell-dependent rejection and tolerance induction during allogeneic immune responses in mice. The advantages of this protocol are minor invasive surgery, and ease of monitoring with no need to sacrifice the recipient mouse.

The study of T cell responses and their consequences during allo-antigen recognition requires a model that enables one to distinguish between donor and ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

12.2K Views.  University of Basel and University Hospital Basel. Tail-skin transplantation is a powerful model for studying T cell-dependent rejection and tolerance induction during allogeneic immune responses in mice. The advantages of this protocol are minor invasive surgery, and ease of monitoring with no need to sacrifice the recipient mouse.

Video: Transplantation of Tail Skin to Study Allogeneic CD4 T Cell Responses in Mice

Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Viral infections cause morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We and others have successfully generated and infused T-cells specific for Epstein Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Adenovirus (Adv) using monocytes and EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell (EBV-LCL) gene-modified with an adenovirus vector as antigen presenting cells (APCs). As few as 2x105/kg trivirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) proliferated by several logs after infusion and appeared to prevent and treat even severe viral disease resistant to other available therapies. The broader implementation of this encouraging approach is limited by high production costs, complexity of manufacture and the prolonged time (4-6 weeks for EBV-LCL generation, and 4-8 weeks for CTL manufacture &#x2013; total 10-14 weeks) for preparation. To overcome these limitations we have developed a new, GMP-compliant CTL production protocol. First, in place of adenovectors to stimulate T-cells we use dendritic cells (DCs) nucleofected with DNA plasmids encoding LMP2, EBNA1 and BZLF1 (EBV), Hexon and Penton (Adv), and pp65 and IE1 (CMV) as antigen-presenting cells. These APCs reactivate T cells specific for all the stimulating antigens. Second, culture of activated T-cells in the presence of IL-4 (1,000U/ml) and IL-7 (10ng/ml) increases and sustains the repertoire and frequency of specific T cells in our lines. Third, we have used a new, gas permeable culture device (G-Rex) that promotes the expansion and survival of large cell numbers after a single stimulation, thus removing the requirement for EBV-LCLs and reducing technician intervention. By implementing these changes we can now produce multispecific CTL targeting EBV, CMV, and Adv at a cost per 106 cells that is reduced by &gt;90%, and in just 10 days rather than 10 weeks using an approach that may be extended to additional protective viral antigens. Our FDA-approved approach should be of value for prophylactic and treatment applications for high risk allogeneic HSCT recipients.

A rapid, simple and cost-effective protocol for the generation of donor-derived multivirus-specific CTLs (rCTL) for infusion to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients at risk of developing CMV, Adv or EBV infections. This manufacturing process is GMP-compliant and should ensure the broader implementation of T-cell immunotherapy beyond specialized centers.

Viral infections cause morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We and others have successfully ...

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells

The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops autoimmune diabetes after 12 weeks of age and is the most extensively studied animal model of human Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Cell transfer studies in irradiated recipient mice have established that T cells are pivotal in T1D pathogenesis in this model. We describe herein a simple method to rapidly induce T1D by adoptive transfer of purified, primary CD4+ T cells from pre-diabetic NOD mice transgenic for the islet-specific T cell receptor (TCR) BDC2.5 into NOD.SCID recipient mice. The major advantages of this technique are that isolation and adoptive transfer of diabetogenic T cells can be completed within the same day, irradiation of the recipients is not required, and a high incidence of T1D is elicited within 2 weeks after T cell transfer. Thus, studies of pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions in T1D can proceed at a faster rate than with methods that rely on heterogenous T cell populations or clones derived from diabetic NOD mice.

We provide a reproducible method to induce type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mice within two weeks by the adoptive transfer of islet antigen-specific, primary CD4+ T cells.

The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops autoimmune diabetes after 12 weeks of age and is the most extensively studied animal model of ...

Adenoviral Transduction of Naive CD4 T Cells to Study Treg Differentiation

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to provide immune tolerance to self as well as to certain foreign antigens. Tregs can be generated from naive CD4 T cells in vitro with TCR- and co-stimulation in the presence of TGF&beta; and IL-2. This bears enormous potential for future therapies, however, the molecules and signaling pathways that control differentiation are largely unknown.
Primary T cells can be manipulated through ectopic gene expression, but common methods fail to target the most important naive state of the T cell prior to primary antigen recognition. Here, we provide a protocol to express ectopic genes in naive CD4 T cells in vitro before inducing Treg differentiation. It applies transduction with the replication-deficient adenovirus and explains its generation and production. The adenovirus can take up large inserts (up to 7 kb) and can be equipped with promoters to achieve high and transient overexpression in T cells. It effectively transduces naive mouse T cells if they express a transgenic Coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR). Importantly, after infection the T cells remain naive (CD44low, CD62Lhigh) and resting (CD25-, CD69-) and can be activated and differentiated into Tregs similar to non-infected cells. Thus, this method enables manipulation of CD4 T cell differentiation from its very beginning. It ensures that ectopic gene expression is already in place when early signaling events of the initial TCR stimulation induces cellular changes that eventually lead into Treg differentiation.

Adenoviral gene transfer into naive CD4 T cells with transgenic expression of the Coxsackie adenovirus receptor enables the molecular analysis of regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to provide immune tolerance to self as well as to certain foreign antigens. Tregs can be generated from naive CD4 ...

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&iuml;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes

Th17 cells are a distinct subset of T cells that have been found to produce interleukin 17 (IL-17), and differ in function from the other T cell subsets including Th1, Th2, and regulatory T cells. Th17 cells have emerged as a central culprit in overzealous inflammatory immune responses associated with many autoimmune disorders. In this method we purify T lymphocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes of C57BL/6 mice, and stimulate purified CD4+ T cells under control and Th17-inducing environments. The Th17-inducing environment includes stimulation in the presence of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, IL-6, and TGF-&#946;. After incubation for at least 72 hours and for up to five days at 37 &#176;C, cells are subsequently analyzed for the capability to produce IL-17 through flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISAs. Th17 differentiated CD4+CD25- T cells can be utilized to further elucidate the role that Th17 cells play in the onset and progression of autoimmunity and host defense. Moreover, Th17 differentiation of CD4+CD25- lymphocytes from distinct murine knockout/disease models can contribute to our understanding of cell fate plasticity.

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Na&amp;#239;ve CD4 T Lymphocytes

With effector functions distinct from other T cell subsets, Th17 cells have been centrally implicated in inflammatory autoimmunity. This in vitro Th17 differentiation protocol provides a means to determine whether na&#239;ve CD4+ T lymphocytes can differentiate into Th17 cells, and to further examine their role in autoimmunity and host response.

Th17 cells are a distinct subset of T cells that have been found to produce interleukin 17 (IL-17), and differ in function from the other T cell subsets ...

Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice

There are many different animal models available for studying the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We describe here an experimental colitis model that is initiated by adoptive transfer of syngeneic splenic CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells into T and B cell deficient recipient mice. The CD4+CD45RBhigh T cell population that largely consists of na&#239;ve effector cells is capable of inducing chronic intestinal inflammation, closely resembling key aspects of human IBD. This method can be manipulated to study aspects of disease onset and progression. Additionally it can be used to study the function of innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune cell populations, and the role of environmental exposures, i.e., the microbiota, in intestinal inflammation. In this article we illustrate the methodology for inducing colitis with a step-by-step protocol. This includes a video demonstration of key technical aspects required to successfully develop this murine model of experimental colitis for research purposes.

Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice

Here, we present a protocol to induce colonic inflammation in mice by adoptive transfer of syngeneic CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells into T and B cell deficient recipients. Clinical and histopathological features mimic human inflammatory bowel diseases. This method allows the study of the initiation of colonic inflammation and progression of disease.

There are many different animal models available for studying the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), each with its own advantages ...

Mouse Na&#239;ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Antigen inexperienced (na&#239;ve) CD4+ T cells undergo expansion and differentiation to effector subsets at the time of T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of cognate antigen presented on MHC class II. The cytokine signals present in the environment at the time of TCR activation are a major factor in determining the effector fate of a na&#239;ve CD4+ T cell. Although the cytokine environment during na&#239;ve T cell activation may be complex and involve both redundant and opposing signals in vivo, the addition of various cytokine combinations during naive CD4+ T cell activation in vitro can readily promote the establishment of effector T helper lineages with hallmark cytokine and transcription factor expression. Such differentiation experiments are commonly used as a first step for the evaluation of targets believed to promote or inhibit the development of certain CD4+ T helper subsets. The addition of mediators, such as signaling agonists, antagonists, or other cytokines, during the differentiation process can also be used to study the influence of a particular target on T cell differentiation. Here, we describe a basic protocol for the isolation of na&#239;ve T cells from mouse and the subsequent steps necessary for polarizing na&#239;ve cells to various T helper effector lineages in vitro.

Mouse Na&amp;#239;ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

Na&#239;ve CD4+ T cells polarize to various subsets depending on the environment at the time of activation. The differentiation of na&#239;ve CD4+ T cells to various effector subsets can be achieved in vitro through the addition of T cell receptor stimuli and specific cytokine signals.

Antigen inexperienced (na&#239;ve) CD4+ T cells undergo expansion and differentiation to effector subsets at the time of T cell receptor (TCR) recognition ...

Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis

The ability of CD4 T cells to carry out effector functions is dependent upon the rapid and efficient migration of these cells in inflamed peripheral tissues through an as-yet undefined mechanism. The application of multiphoton microscopy to the study of the immune system provides a tool to measure the dynamics of immune responses within intact tissues. Here we present a protocol for non-invasive intravital multiphoton imaging of CD4 T cells in the inflamed mouse ear dermis. Use of a custom imaging platform and a venous catheter allows for the visualization of CD4 T cell dynamics in the dermal interstitium, with the ability to interrogate these cells in real-time via the addition of blocking antibodies to key molecular components involved in motility. This system provides advantages over both in vitro models and surgically invasive imaging procedures. Understanding the pathways used by CD4 T cells for motility may ultimately provide insight into the basic function of CD4 T cells as well as the pathogenesis of both autoimmune diseases and pathology from chronic infections.

The mechanisms that govern the interstitial motility of CD4 effector T cells at sites of inflammation are relatively unknown. We present a non-invasive approach to visualize and manipulate in vitro-primed CD4 T cells in the inflamed ear dermis, allowing for study of the dynamic behavior of these cells in situ.

The ability of CD4 T cells to carry out effector functions is dependent upon the rapid and efficient migration of these cells in inflamed peripheral ...

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients

The main concern in transplantation is to achieve specific tolerance through induction of regulatory cells. The understanding of tolerance mechanisms requires reliable models. Here, we describe models of tolerance to cardiac allograft in rat, induced by blockade of costimulation signals or by upregulation of immunoregulatory molecules through gene transfer. Each of these models allowed in vivo generation of regulatory cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory B cells (Bregs) or regulatory myeloid cells (RegMCs). In this manuscript, we describe two complementary protocols that have been used to identify and define in vitro and in vivo regulatory cell activity to determine their responsibility in tolerance induction and maintenance. First, an in vitro suppressive assay allowed rapid identification of cells with suppressive capacity on effector immune responses in a dose dependent manner, and can be used for further analysis such as cytokine measurement or cytotoxicity. Second, the adoptive transfer of cells from a tolerant treated recipient to a newly irradiated grafted recipient, highlighted the tolerogenic properties of these cells in controlling graft directed immune responses and/or converting new regulatory cells (termed infectious tolerance). These methods are not restricted to cells with known phenotypic markers and can be extended to any cell population. Furthermore, donor directed allospecificity of regulatory cells (an important goal in the field) can be assessed by using third party donor cells or graft either in vitro or in vivo. Finally, to determine the specific tolerogenic capacity of these regulatory cells, we provide protocols to assess the humoral anti-donor antibody responses and the capacity of the recipient to develop humoral responses against new or former known antigens. The models of tolerance described can be used to further characterize regulatory cells, to identify new biomarkers, and immunoregulatory molecules, and are adaptable to other transplantation models or autoimmune diseases in rodent or human.

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients

Here, we present a protocol to induce tolerance in transplantation, and assess in vitro and in vivo the suppressive capacity of distinct cell subsets from the recipient and the immune status of the recipient toward donor or exogenous antigens.

The main concern in transplantation is to achieve specific tolerance through induction of regulatory cells. The understanding of tolerance mechanisms ...

A Suction Blister Protocol to Study Human T-cell Recall Responses In Vivo

Cutaneous antigen-recall models allow for studies of human memory responses in vivo. When combined with skin suction blister (SB) induction, this model offers accessibility to rare populations of antigen-specific T-cells representative of the cellular memory response as well as the cytokine microenvironment in situ.
This report describes the practical procedure of a cutaneous recall, an SB induction, and a harvest of antigen-specific T-cells. To exemplify the method, the tuberculin skin test is used for antigenic recall in individuals who, prior to this study, underwent a Bacillus Calmette-Gu&#233;rin vaccination against an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Finally, examples of multiplex and flow cytometric analyses of SB specimens are provided, illustrating high fractions of antigen-specific polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells available by this sampling method compared with cells isolated from the blood.
The method described here is safe and minimally invasive, provides a unique opportunity to study both innate and adaptive immune responses in vivo, and may be beneficial to a broad community of researchers working with cell-mediated immunity and human memory responses, in the context of vaccine development.

A Suction Blister Protocol to Study Human T-cell Recall Responses In Vivo

Here, we provide a demonstration of the suction blister cutaneous recall model. The model allows a simple access to study human in vivo adaptive immune responses, for instance in the context of vaccine development.

Cutaneous antigen-recall models allow for studies of human memory responses in vivo. When combined with skin suction blister (SB) induction, this model ...

Evaluation of Zika Virus-specific T-cell Responses in Immunoprivileged Organs of Infected Ifnar1-/- Mice

The Zika virus (ZIKV) can induce inflammation in immunoprivileged organs (e.g., the brain and testis), leading to the Guillain-Barr&#233; syndrome and damaging the testes. During an infection with the ZIKV, immune cells have been shown to infiltrate into the tissues. However, the cellular mechanisms that define the protection and/or immunopathogenesis of these immune cells during a ZIKV infection are still largely unknown. Herein, we describe methods to evaluate the virus-specific T-cell functionality in these immunoprivileged organs of ZIKV-infected mice. These methods include a) a ZIKV infection and vaccine inoculation in Ifnar1-/- mice; b) histopathology, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry assays to detect the virus infection and inflammation in the brain, testes, and spleen; c) the preparation of a tetramer of ZIKV-derived T-cell epitopes; d) the detection of ZIKV-specific T cells in the monocytes isolated from the brain, testes, and spleen. Using these approaches, it is possible to detect the antigen-specific T cells that have infiltrated into the immunoprivileged organs and to evaluate the functions of these T cells during the infection: potential immune protection via virus clearance and/or immunopathogenesis to exacerbate the inflammation. These findings may also help to clarify the contribution of T cells induced by the immunization against ZIKV.

Evaluation of Zika Virus-specific T-cell Responses in Immunoprivileged Organs of Infected Ifnar1-/- Mice

A protocol to evaluate antigen-specific T-cell responses in the immunoprivileged organs of the Ifnar1-/- murine model for the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is described. This method is pivotal for investigating the cellular mechanisms of the protection and immunopathogenesis of ZIKV vaccines and is also valuable for their efficacy evaluation.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) can induce inflammation in immunoprivileged organs (e.g., the brain and testis), leading to the Guillain-Barr&#233; syndrome and ...