Name: mouse na&#239;ve cd4+ t cell isolation and in vitro differentiation into t cell subsets
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Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mouse NaÃ¯ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets at JoVE.com

The authors would like to thank all members of the Reynolds lab at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and the Chen Dong lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for optimization of this protocol. This work was supported by a grant to J.M.R. from the National Institutes of Health (K22AI104941).

All experimental procedures are performed using protocols approved by the office of Environmental Health and Safety at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. C57BL/6 mice (purchased from NCI) used for this protocol were housed under specific pathogen-free conditions, and all animal experiments were performed using protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
1. Preparation of Instrume...

<ol>
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J., Paul, W. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanisms+underlying+lineage+commitment+and+plasticity+of+helper+CD4+T+cells.">Mechanisms underlying lineage commitment and plasticity of helper CD4 T cells.</a> Science. 327 (5969), 1098-1102 (2010).</li><li>Zhou, L., Chong, M. M., Littman, D. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Plasticity+of+CD4++T+cell+lineage+differentiation.">Plasticity of CD4+ T cell lineage differentiation.</a> Immunity. 30 (5), 646-655 (2009).</li><li>Harrington, L. E., 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=Interleukin+17-producing+CD4++effector+T+cells+develop+via+a+lineage+distinct+from+the+T+helper+type+1+and+2+lineages.">Interleukin 17-producing CD4+ effector T cells develop via a lineage distinct from the T helper type 1 and 2 lineages.</a> Nat Immunol. 6 (11), 1123-1132 (2005).</li><li>Langrish, C. L., 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-23+drives+a+pathogenic+T+cell+population+that+induces+autoimmune+inflammation.">IL-23 drives a pathogenic T cell population that induces autoimmune inflammation.</a> J Exp Med. 201 (2), 233-240 (2005).</li><li>Park, 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=A+distinct+lineage+of+CD4+T+cells+regulates+tissue+inflammation+by+producing+interleukin+17.">A distinct lineage of CD4 T cells regulates tissue inflammation by producing interleukin 17.</a> Nat Immunol. 6 (11), 1133-1141 (2005).</li><li>Ivanov, I. I., 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=The+orphan+nuclear+receptor+RORgammat+directs+the+differentiation+program+of+proinflammatory+IL-17++T+helper+cells.">The orphan nuclear receptor RORgammat directs the differentiation program of proinflammatory IL-17+ T helper cells.</a> Cell. 126 (6), 1121-1133 (2006).</li><li>Chung, Y., 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=Critical+regulation+of+early+Th17+cell+differentiation+by+interleukin-1+signaling.">Critical regulation of early Th17 cell differentiation by interleukin-1 signaling.</a> Immunity. 30 (4), 576-587 (2009).</li><li>Reynolds, J. M., Martinez, G. J., Chung, Y., Dong, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Toll-like+receptor+4+signaling+in+T+cells+promotes+autoimmune+inflammation.">Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in T cells promotes autoimmune inflammation.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 109 (32), 13064-13069 (2012).</li><li>Reynolds, J. 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=Toll-like+receptor+2+signaling+in+CD4(+)+T+lymphocytes+promotes+T+helper+17+responses+and+regulates+the+pathogenesis+of+autoimmune+disease.">Toll-like receptor 2 signaling in CD4(+) T lymphocytes promotes T helper 17 responses and regulates the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.</a> Immunity. 32 (5), 692-702 (2010).</li><li>Wu, C., 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=Induction+of+pathogenic+TH17+cells+by+inducible+salt-sensing+kinase+SGK1.">Induction of pathogenic TH17 cells by inducible salt-sensing kinase SGK1.</a> Nature. 496 (7446), 513-517 (2013).</li><li>Ghoreschi, K., 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=Generation+of+pathogenic+T(H)17+cells+in+the+absence+of+TGF-beta+signalling.">Generation of pathogenic T(H)17 cells in the absence of TGF-beta signalling.</a> Nature. 467 (7318), 967-971 (2010).</li><li>Veldhoen, M., Hocking, R. J., Atkins, C. J., Locksley, R. M., Stockinger, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=TGFbeta+in+the+context+of+an+inflammatory+cytokine+milieu+supports+de+novo+differentiation+of+IL-17-producing+T+cells.">TGFbeta in the context of an inflammatory cytokine milieu supports de novo differentiation of IL-17-producing T cells.</a> Immunity. 24 (2), 179-189 (2006).</li><li>Avni, O., 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=T(H)+cell+differentiation+is+accompanied+by+dynamic+changes+in+histone+acetylation+of+cytokine+genes.">T(H) cell differentiation is accompanied by dynamic changes in histone acetylation of cytokine genes.</a> Nat Immunol. 3 (7), 643-651 (2002).</li><li>Matheu, M. P., Cahalan, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+of+CD4++T+cells+from+mouse+lymph+nodes+using+Miltenyi+MACS+purification.">Isolation of CD4+ T cells from mouse lymph nodes using Miltenyi MACS purification.</a> J Vis Exp. (9), (2007).</li><li>Bedoya, S. K., Wilson, T. D., Collins, E. L., Lau, K., Larkin, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+th17+differentiation+of+naive+CD4+T+lymphocytes.">Isolation and th17 differentiation of naive CD4 T lymphocytes.</a> J Vis Exp. (79), e50765 (2013).</li></ol>

While the spleen contains na&#239;ve Th cells, the proportion of this population in lymph nodes is much higher. Failure to properly identify and remove lymph nodes in this protocol will result in a poor yield of na&#239;ve cells. This can be especially difficult in older mice or male mice that have more fat tissue. As shown in Figure 1, proper fixing and pinning of the animal limbs and skin will allow for easier visualization of the accessible exterior lymph nodes. Once lymph nodes and spleens are proces...

The concept of distinct lineages or subsets of CD4+ T helper (Th) cells has been around since the latter part of the 20th century1. Recognition of cognate antigen in the presence of costimulatory signals results in several rounds of cellular proliferation and the eventual differentiation into effector Th cells. The type of Th cell generated during this process is dependent on the cytokine environment present during activation2. Initially, na&#239;ve Th cells were thought to polarize into 2 distinct lineages following T cell receptor (TCR) activation, costimulatory CD28 ligation, and cytokine signaling. Type 1 helper cells (Th1) are characterized by their effector production of the IFN&#947; cytokine as well as their requirement for IL-12 signaling during the differentiation process3,4. Eventually it was discovered that differentiated Th1 cells have a genetic profile that is most distinctively characterized by the expression of the T box family transcription factor, Tbx21 (T-bet), which is considered the master regulator of the Th1 genetic program5. Furthermore, IL-12 as well as IFN&#947; can promote T-bet expression6,7. In the immune response, Th1 cells are important for the host defense against intracellular pathogens as well as strong promoters of autoimmune inflammation. In contrast, type 2 helper cells (Th2) require IL-4 for their development and their effector cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, are important for driving B cell responses and are pathogenic in allergy8,9. Similar to Th1 cells, Th2 cells were found to express their own master transcriptional regulator, termed GATA-310,11. Interestingly, the presence of polarizing cytokines and the generation of a specific Th lineage are antagonistic to the development of others2,12, suggesting that only a particular Th subset may become dominant during an immune response.
Since the identification of the Th1 and Th2 lineages, further work has demonstrated even more unique subsets of T helper cells, including follicular helper (TFH), IL-9-producing (Th9), and IL-22-producing (Th22)(recently reviewed in13). For the purposes of in vitro differentiation experiments, this protocol will focus only on two additional Th subsets, termed regulatory T cells (Treg) and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells (Th17). CD25+ regulatory T cells can occur naturally (nTreg) in the thymus; na&#239;ve Th cells may also be induced (iTreg) to become regulatory in the periphery (reviewed in14,15). Both types of Tregs express a characteristic transcription factor, termed forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), which is critical for their effector suppression mechanisms that include soluble anti-inflammatory mediator production, IL-2 consumption, and cell contact-dependent mechanisms14,15. The lack of Foxp3 expression results in a severe, multi-organ autoimmune disorder termed immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX), demonstrating the critical role of this Th subset in resolving inflammation and regulating peripheral tolerance to self antigens16. In vitro, na&#239;ve CD4+ T helper cells up-regulate Foxp3 and become committed to the Treg program upon stimulation with IL-2 and TGF-&#946;14,15. There may be moderate to considerable plasticity in CD4+ T cell lineages, especially when considering only cytokine production (reviewed in 17,18). However, for the purposes of in vitro differentiation protocols, we will be discussing each subset as a unique lineage.
Recently, a subset of Th17 cells that produces the IL-17 cytokine was identified as a unique lineage with pro-inflammatory functions that are particularly pathogenic during autoimmune inflammation19-21. Th17 cells express a unique transcription factor, termed retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR&#947;t) that coordinates the Th17 genetic program22. TGF&#946; is important for the generation of Th17 lineage through the induction of ROR&#947;t. However, the effect of TGF&#946; signaling is believed to only induce Th17 commitment upon synergizing with IL-6 (reviewed in12). Further studies have shown that a variety of other signals that can positively regulate Th17 commitment, including IL-1&#946;, increased sodium, and TLR signaling23-26. Other reports have suggested that the pathogenic Th17 cells in vivo are the ones that actually bypass TGF&#946; signaling and instead rely on a combination of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-23 for their differentiation27. Thus, Th17 cells may be derived from a variety of signaling pathways; for the purposes of this protocol, the commonly-used (TGF&#946; and IL-6) pathway for Th17 lineage commitment will be presented.
The differentiation protocols described below for all effector lineages relies on fixed antibody as stimuli for the TCR and CD28 throughout the entire course of the experiment. However, others have demonstrated that TCR activation with antigen-presenting cells28 or cross-linking anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies with hamster antibody for 2 days29 are also highly effective means of inducing the generation of various Th subsets. The protocol presented here builds on previously reported methods for isolating murine CD4+ T cells from secondary lymphoid organs30 and generating Th17 cells31. One major difference is that this protocol relies on the use of a cell sorter to isolate na&#239;ve CD4+ T cells from lymphoid tissues. However, many companies now offer rapid separation kits that can enrich for na&#239;ve CD4+ T cells, which may be able to bypass the requirement for sorting depending on the experiment. The methods and reagents presented in this protocol are what we routinely use and find to be the most effective. However, keep in mind that alternative reagents and methodologies exist for many of the steps presented below and it is up to the individual lab to determine what will work best for their purposes.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Complete RPMI:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Warm in a 37 oC water bath before use</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RPMI 1640 Media</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>11875119</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 % FBS</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>26140-079</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1000X 2-mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>21985023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>100X Pen/Strep</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>15140122</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>100X L-glutamine</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>25030081</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>120 micron nylon mesh</td>
			<td>Amazon</td>
			<td>CMN-0120-10YD</td>
			<td>Cut into 2 cm2 squares and autoclave</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alternative: 100 micron cell strainers</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>08-771-19</td>
			<td>Alternative to cutting nylon mesh</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>autoMACS running buffer</td>
			<td>Miltenyi</td>
			<td>130-091-221</td>
			<td>Warm in a 37 oC water bath before use</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>autoMACS rinsing solution</td>
			<td>Miltenyi</td>
			<td>130-091-222</td>
			<td>Warm in a 37 oC water bath before use</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD4 beads</td>
			<td>Miltenyi</td>
			<td>130-049-201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ACK lysis buffer</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>A10492-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cytokines:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human (h) IL-2</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td>200-02</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Recombinant mouse (rm) IL-4</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td>214-14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rmIL-6</td>
			<td>R &#38; D Systems</td>
			<td>406-ML-025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>rmIL-12</td>
			<td>Peprotech</td>
			<td>210-12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hTGFb</td>
			<td>R &#38; D Systems</td>
			<td>240-B-010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibodies:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2C11 (anti-CD3)</td>
			<td>BioXcell</td>
			<td>BE0001-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>37.51 (anti-CD28)</td>
			<td>BioXcell</td>
			<td>BE0015-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11B11 (anti-IL-4)</td>
			<td>BioXcell</td>
			<td>BE0045</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>XMG1.2 (anti-IFNg)</td>
			<td>BioXcell</td>
			<td>BE0055</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CD62L-FITC</td>
			<td>BioLegend</td>
			<td>104406</td>
			<td>Use at 1:100</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CD25-PE</td>
			<td>BioLegend</td>
			<td>102008</td>
			<td>Use at 1:400</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CD4-PerCP</td>
			<td>BioLegend</td>
			<td>100434</td>
			<td>Use at 1:1000</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>anti-CD44-APC</td>
			<td>BioLegend</td>
			<td>103012</td>
			<td>Use at 1:500</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phorbol&#160; 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P-8139</td>
			<td>Prepare a stock at 0.1 mg/ml in DMSO and freeze aliquots at -20 oC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ionomycin</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>I-0634</td>
			<td>Prepare a stock at 0.5 mg/ml in DMSO and freeze aliquots at -20 oC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Brefeldin A</td>
			<td>eBioscience</td>
			<td>00-4506-51</td>
			<td>Use at 1:1000</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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.

The time point for the analysis of differentiation can vary depending on the Th condition being tested as well as the strength of T cell receptor activation. After 2-3 days of differentiation, cells can be visualized by light microscopy to determine the extent of T cell proliferation. Wells exhibiting extensive proliferation and clumping of cells will most likely be ready for analysis at day 4. Differentiation conditions relying on the addition of exogenous IL-2, such as Th1 and Th2, will likely exhaust the media after 4...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Mouse NaÃ¯ve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets at JoVE.com

Mouse Na&#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.

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 ...

mouse-naive-cd4-t-cell-isolation-vitro-differentiation-into-t-cell

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

Retroviral Transduction of T-cell Receptors in Mouse T-cells

T-cell receptors (TCRs) play a central role in the immune system. TCRs on T-cell surfaces can specifically recognize peptide antigens presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs)1. This recognition leads to the activation of T-cells and a series of functional outcomes (e.g. cytokine production, killing of the target cells). Understanding the functional role of TCRs is critical to harness the power of the immune system to treat a variety of immunology related diseases (e.g. cancer or autoimmunity).
It is convenient to study TCRs in mouse models, which can be accomplished in several ways. Making TCR transgenic mouse models is costly and time-consuming and currently there are only a limited number of them available2-4. Alternatively, mice with antigen-specific T-cells can be generated by bone marrow chimera. This method also takes several weeks and requires expertise5. Retroviral transduction of TCRs into in vitro activated mouse T-cells is a quick and relatively easy method to obtain T-cells of desired peptide-MHC specificity. Antigen-specific T-cells can be generated in one week and used in any downstream applications. Studying transduced T-cells also has direct application to human immunotherapy, as adoptive transfer of human T-cells transduced with antigen-specific TCRs is an emerging strategy for cancer treatment6.
Here we present a protocol to retrovirally transduce TCRs into in vitro activated mouse T-cells. Both human and mouse TCR genes can be used. Retroviruses carrying specific TCR genes are generated and used to infect mouse T-cells activated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. After in vitro expansion, transduced T-cells are analyzed by flow cytometry.

We present a protocol to produce antigen-specific mouse T-cells using retroviral transduction

T-cell receptors (TCRs) play a central role in the immune system. TCRs on T-cell surfaces can specifically recognize peptide antigens presented by antigen ...

Isolation of Precursor B-cell Subsets from Umbilical Cord Blood

Umbilical cord blood is highly enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells at different lineage commitment stages. We have developed a protocol for isolating precursor B-cells at four different stages of differentiation. Because genes are expressed and epigenetic modifications occur in a tissue specific manner, it is vital to discriminate between tissues and cell types in order to be able to identify alterations in the genome and the epigenome that may lead to the development of disease. This method can be adapted to any type of cell present in umbilical cord blood at any stage of differentiation.	
This method comprises 4 main steps. First, mononuclear cells are separated by density centrifugation. Second, B-cells are enriched using biotin conjugated antibodies that recognize and remove non B-cells from the mononuclear cells. Third the B-cells are fluorescently labeled with cell surface protein antibodies specific to individual stages of B-cell development. Finally, the fluorescently labeled cells are sorted and individual populations are recovered. The recovered cells are of sufficient quantity and quality to be utilized in downstream nucleic acid assays.

Here we describe a protocol for isolating subsets of precursor B-cells from umbilical cord blood. A sufficient quantity and quality of nucleic acids may be extracted from the cells and used in subsequent assays utilizing DNA or RNA.

Umbilical cord blood is highly enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells at different lineage commitment stages. We have developed a protocol for ...

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&#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 ...

In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function

T cell exhaustion is a major factor in failed pathogen clearance during chronic viral infections. Immunoregulatory pathways, such as PD-1 and IL-10, are upregulated upon this ongoing antigen exposure and contribute to loss of proliferation, reduced cytolytic function, and impaired cytokine production by CD4 and CD8 T cells. In the murine model of LCMV infection, administration of blocking antibodies against these two pathways augmented T cell responses. However, there is currently no in vitro assay to measure the impact of such blockade on cytokine secretion in cells from human samples. Our protocol and experimental approach enable us to accurately and efficiently quantify the restoration of cytokine production by HIV-specific CD4 T cells from HIV infected subjects.
Here, we depict an in vitro experimental design that enables measurements of cytokine secretion by HIV-specific CD4 T cells and their impact on other cell subsets. CD8 T cells were depleted from whole blood and remaining PBMCs were isolated via Ficoll separation method. CD8-depleted PBMCs were then incubated with blocking antibodies against PD-L1 and/or IL-10R&#945; and, after stimulation with an HIV-1 Gag peptide pool, cells were incubated at 37 &#176;C, 5% CO2. After 48 hr, supernatant was collected for cytokine analysis by beads arrays and cell pellets were collected for either phenotypic analysis using flow cytometry or transcriptional analysis using qRT-PCR. For more detailed analysis, different cell populations were obtained by selective subset depletion from PBMCs or by sorting using flow cytometry before being assessed in the same assays. These methods provide a highly sensitive and specific approach to determine the modulation of cytokine production by antigen-specific T-helper cells and to determine functional interactions between different populations of immune cells.

In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function

We developed an in vitro assay to investigate the role of immunoregulatory pathways in the regulation of cytokine secretion by HIV-specific CD4 T cells.

T cell exhaustion is a major factor in failed pathogen clearance during chronic viral infections. Immunoregulatory pathways, such as PD-1 and IL-10, are ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Isolation and Ex Vivo Culture of V&#948;1+CD4+&#947;&#948; T Cells, an Extrathymic &#945;&#946;T-cell Progenitor

The thymus, the primary organ for the generation of &#945;&#946; T cells and backbone of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates, has long been considered as the only source of &#945;&#946;T cells. Yet, thymic involution begins early in life leading to a drastically reduced output of na&#239;ve &#945;&#946;T cells into the periphery. Nevertheless, even centenarians can build immunity against newly acquired pathogens. Recent research suggests extrathymic &#945;&#946;T cell development, however our understanding of pathways that may compensate for thymic loss of function are still rudimental. &#947;&#948; T cells are innate lymphocytes that constitute the main T-cell subset in the tissues. We recently ascribed a so far unappreciated outstanding function to a &#947;&#948; T cell subset by showing that the scarce entity of CD4+ V&#948;1+&#947;&#948; T cells can transdifferentiate into &#945;&#946;T cells in inflammatory conditions. Here, we provide the protocol for the isolation of this progenitor from peripheral blood and its subsequent cultivation. V&#948;1 cells are positively enriched from PBMCs of healthy human donors using magnetic beads, followed by a second step wherein we target the scarce fraction of CD4+ cells with a further magnetic labeling technique. The magnetic force of the second labeling exceeds the one of the first magnetic label, and thus allows the efficient, quantitative and specific positive isolation of the population of interest. We then introduce the technique and culture condition required for cloning and efficiently expanding the cells and for identification of the generated clones by FACS analysis. Thus, we provide a detailed protocol for the purification, culture and ex vivo expansion of CD4+ V&#948;1+&#947;&#948; T cells. This knowledge is prerequisite for studies that relate to this &#945;&#946;T cell progenitor`s biology and for those who aim to identify the molecular triggers that are involved in its transdifferentiation.

Isolation and Ex Vivo Culture of V&#948;1+CD4+&#947;&#948; T Cells, an Extrathymic &#945;&#946;T-cell Progenitor

Here, we provide an optimized protocol for the isolation and cloning of the scarce T-cell entity of peripheral V&#948;1+CD4+ T cells that is, as we showed recently, an extrathymic &#945;&#946; T-cell progenitor. This technique allows to quantitatively isolate, clone and efficiently expand these cells in ex vivo culture.

The thymus, the primary organ for the generation of &#945;&#946; T cells and backbone of the adaptive immune system in vertebrates, has long been ...

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 Differentiation of Human CD4+FOXP3+ Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) from Na&#239;ve CD4+ T Cells Using a TGF-&#946;-containing Protocol

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an integral part of peripheral tolerance, suppressing immune reactions against self-structures and thus preventing autoimmune diseases. Clinical approaches to adoptively transfer Tregs, or to deplete Tregs in cancer, are underway with promising first outcomes. 
Because the number of naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs) is very limited, studying certain Treg features using in vitro induced Tregs (iTregs) can be advantageous. To date, the best although not absolutely specific protein marker to delineate Tregs is the transcription factor FOXP3. Despite the importance of Tregs including non-redundant roles of peripherally induced Tregs, the protocols to generate iTregs are currently controversial, particularly for human cells. This protocol therefore describes the in vitro differentiation of human CD4+FOXP3+ iTregs from human na&#239;ve T cells using a range of Treg-inducing factors (TGF-&#946; plus IL-2 only, or their combination with retinoic acid, rapamycin or butyrate) in parallel. It also describes the phenotyping of these cells by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. 
These protocols result in reproducible expression of FOXP3 and other Treg signature genes and enable the study of general FOXP3-regulatory mechanisms as well as protocol-specific effects to delineate the impact of certain factors. iTregs can be utilized to study various phenotypic aspects as well as molecular mechanisms of Treg induction. Detailed molecular studies are facilitated by relatively large cell numbers that can be obtained. 
A limitation for the application of iTregs is the relative instability of FOXP3 expression in these cells compared to nTregs. iTregs generated by these protocols can also be used for functional assays such as studying their suppressive function, in which iTregs induced by TGF-&#946; plus retinoic acid and rapamycin display superior suppressive activity. However, the suppressive capacity of iTregs can differ from nTregs and the use of appropriate controls is crucial.

This protocol describes the reproducible generation and phenotyping of human induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) from na&#239;ve CD4+ T cells in vitro. Different protocols for FOXP3 induction allow for the study of specific iTreg phenotypes obtained with respective protocols.