We are grateful to our laboratory members and the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology community for constructive scientific discussions, especially our flow cytometry facility manager Jonathan Webber. This work was funded by Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship 100262Z/12/Z, the ERC Advanced Grant (SYNECT AdG 670930), and the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research (KTRR) (all three to MLD). PFCD was supported by EMBO Long-Term Fellowship (ALTF 1420-2015, in conjunction with the European Commission (LTFCOFUND2013, GA-2013-609409) and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions) and an Oxford-Bristol Myers Squibb Fellowship.

<ol>
	<li>Cespedes, P. F., Beckers, D., Dustin, M. L., Sezgin, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Model+membrane+systems+to+reconstitute+immune+cell+signaling.">Model membrane systems to reconstitute immune cell signaling.</a> FEBS Journal. 288 (4), 1070-1090 (2021).</li><li>Choudhuri, 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=Polarized+release+of+T-cell-receptor-enriched+microvesicles+at+the+immunological+synapse.">Polarized release of T-cell-receptor-enriched microvesicles at the immunological synapse.</a> Nature. 507 (7490), 118-123 (2014).</li><li>Saliba, D. G., 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=Composition+and+structure+of+synaptic+ectosomes+exporting+antigen+receptor+linked+to+functional+CD40+ligand+from+helper+T+cells.">Composition and structure of synaptic ectosomes exporting antigen receptor linked to functional CD40 ligand from helper T cells.</a> elife. 8, 47528 (2019).</li><li>Barcia, 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=In+vivo+polarization+of+IFN-gamma+at+Kupfer+and+non-Kupfer+immunological+synapses+during+the+clearance+of+virally+infected+brain+cells.">In vivo polarization of IFN-gamma at Kupfer and non-Kupfer immunological synapses during the clearance of virally infected brain cells.</a> Journal of Immunology. 180 (3), 1344-1352 (2008).</li><li>Huse, M., Lillemeier, B. F., Kuhns, M. S., Chen, D. S., Davis, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=T+cells+use+two+directionally+distinct+pathways+for+cytokine+secretion.">T cells use two directionally distinct pathways for cytokine secretion.</a> Nature Immunology. 7 (3), 247-255 (2006).</li><li>Kupfer, A., Mosmann, T. R., Kupfer, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Polarized+expression+of+cytokines+in+cell+conjugates+of+helper+T+cells+and+splenic+B+cells.">Polarized expression of cytokines in cell conjugates of helper T cells and splenic B cells.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 88 (3), 775-779 (1991).</li><li>Kupfer, H., Monks, C. R., Kupfer, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Small+splenic+B+cells+that+bind+to+antigen-specific+T+helper+(Th)+cells+and+face+the+site+of+cytokine+production+in+the+Th+cells+selectively+proliferate:+immunofluorescence+microscopic+studies+of+Th-B+antigen-presenting+cell+interactions.">Small splenic B cells that bind to antigen-specific T helper (Th) cells and face the site of cytokine production in the Th cells selectively proliferate: immunofluorescence microscopic studies of Th-B antigen-presenting cell interactions.</a> Journal of Experimental Medicine. 179 (5), 1507-1515 (1994).</li><li>Reichert, P., Reinhardt, R. L., Ingulli, E., Jenkins, M. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cutting+edge:+in+vivo+identification+of+TCR+redistribution+and+polarized+IL-2+production+by+naive+CD4+T+cells.">Cutting edge: in vivo identification of TCR redistribution and polarized IL-2 production by naive CD4 T cells.</a> Journal of Immunology. 166 (7), 4278-4281 (2001).</li><li>Gerard, A., 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=Secondary+T+cell-T+cell+synaptic+interactions+drive+the+differentiation+of+protective+CD8++T+cells.">Secondary T cell-T cell synaptic interactions drive the differentiation of protective CD8+ T cells.</a> Nature Immunology. 14 (4), 356-363 (2013).</li><li>Dustin, M. L., Starr, T., Varma, R., Thomas, V. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Supported+planar+bilayers+for+study+of+the+immunological+synapse.">Supported planar bilayers for study of the immunological synapse.</a> Current Protocols in Immunology. , (2007).</li><li>Counting cells using a hemocytometer. Abcam Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abcam.com/protocols/counting-cells-using-a-haemocytometer">https://www.abcam.com/protocols/counting-cells-using-a-haemocytometer</a> (2021)</li><li>Roederer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spectral+compensation+for+flow+cytometry:+visualization+artifacts,+limitations,+and+caveats.">Spectral compensation for flow cytometry: visualization artifacts, limitations, and caveats.</a> Cytometry. 45 (3), 194-205 (2001).</li><li>Dam, T., Junghans, V., Humphrey, J., Chouliara, M., Jonsson, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calcium+signaling+in+T+cells+is+induced+by+binding+to+nickel-chelating+lipids+in+supported+lipid+bilayers.">Calcium signaling in T cells is induced by binding to nickel-chelating lipids in supported lipid bilayers.</a> Frontiers in Physiology. 11, 613367 (2020).</li><li>Nguyen, R., Perfetto, S., Mahnke, Y. D., Chattopadhyay, P., Roederer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantifying+spillover+spreading+for+comparing+instrument+performance+and+aiding+in+multicolor+panel+design.">Quantifying spillover spreading for comparing instrument performance and aiding in multicolor panel design.</a> Cytometry A. 83 (3), 306-315 (2013).</li><li>C&#233;spedes, P. F., 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=Synthetic+antigen-presenting+cells+reveal+the+diversity+and+functional+specialisation+of+extracellular+vesicles+composing+the+fourth+signal+of+T+cell+immunological+synapses.">Synthetic antigen-presenting cells reveal the diversity and functional specialisation of extracellular vesicles composing the fourth signal of T cell immunological synapses.</a> bioRxiv. , (2021).</li><li>Yoon, J., 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=Identification+of+non-activated+lymphocytes+using+three-dimensional+refractive+index+tomography+and+machine+learning.">Identification of non-activated lymphocytes using three-dimensional refractive index tomography and machine learning.</a> Scientific Reports. 7 (1), 6654 (2017).</li><li>Roederer, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Distributions+of+autofluorescence+after+compensation:+Be+panglossian,+fret+not.">Distributions of autofluorescence after compensation: Be panglossian, fret not.</a> Cytometry A. 89 (4), 398-402 (2016).</li><li>Maecker, H. T., Trotter, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Flow+cytometry+controls,+instrument+setup,+and+the+determination+of+positivity.">Flow cytometry controls, instrument setup, and the determination of positivity.</a> Cytometry A. 69 (9), 1037-1042 (2006).</li><li>Balint, S., 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=Supramolecular+attack+particles+are+autonomous+killing+entities+released+from+cytotoxic+T+cells.">Supramolecular attack particles are autonomous killing entities released from cytotoxic T cells.</a> Science. 368 (6493), 897-901 (2020).</li><li>Cespedes, P. F., 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=Surface+expression+of+the+hRSV+nucleoprotein+impairs+immunological+synapse+formation+with+T+cells.">Surface expression of the hRSV nucleoprotein impairs immunological synapse formation with T cells.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 111 (31), 3214-3223 (2014).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

BSLBs are versatile tools for studying the particulate output of T cells stimulated with model APC membranes. The flexibility of the method allows the reconstitution of complex and reductionist membrane compositions to study the effects of ligands and their signals on the secretion of tSVs and supramolecular attack particles and their components. We have tested this technology on various T cells, including preactivated TH, CTL, Tregs, and CART15. This protocol also works for the measurement of syn...

The immunological synapse (IS) is a pivotal molecular structure formed at the interface of cells engaged in physical contact that facilitates the regulated exchange of juxtracrine information. Different ISs have been described in the literature, and a growing body of evidence suggests these molecular hubs are a conserved feature of cellular networks. Various immune cells, including B cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells, exchange information via the assembly of short-lived contacts1. Multiomic studies are advancing the understanding of novel subsets of leukocytes and stromal cells driving pathogenic cellular networks and expressing surface proteins with unknown functions. As synthetic APCs, BSLBs allow the direct investigation of the functional role of individual proteins in the integration of activating signals, namely antigens and costimulation/corepression, by T cells and the resulting release of effector particles referred to as signal four.
This paper describes the protocols and critical technical points to consider while using BSLBs to mimic the surface composition of model APCs. The protocols for the quantitative measurement of immune receptors and other surface proteins on APCs are presented along with the protocol for the reconstitution of synthetic APCs containing these measured quantities. Then, the steps required for coculturing T cells and BSLB are presented along with the protocol for the quantitative measurement of trans-synaptic particle transfer using flow cytometry. Most remarkably, BSLBs facilitate studying a plasma membrane-derived population of tSVs termed synaptic ectosomes (SEs). T-cell antigen receptor-enriched (TCR+) SEs are shed in response to TCR triggering2 and efficiently captured by BSLBs3, representing an excellent readout to assess the agonistic properties of antigens and the modelled membrane composition. CD63+ exosomes and supramolecular attack particles (SMAPs) are also released by stimulated T cells and captured by BSLBs. They can be used as additional readouts of activation and the resulting exocytic and lytic granule secretion by T cells. The mobilization of exocytic vesicles to the interacting pole of the T cell also facilitates the directional release of cytokines, such as IL-2, IFN-&#947;, and IL-10 in response to activation4,5,6,7,8. Although T-cell released cytokines can also be detected on BSLBs, a more dedicated study is currently under development to validate the quantitative analysis of cytokine release at the immunological synapse.
To interrogate how specific membrane compositions influence T cells&#39; synaptic output requires defining the physiological density of the target membrane component. Flow cytometry-based quantifications of cell surface proteins are an essential step in this protocol and require: 1) the use of antibodies with known numbers of fluorochromes per antibody (F/P), and 2) benchmark beads providing a standard reference for interpolating fluorochrome molecules from measured mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs).
These benchmark standards consist of five bead populations, each containing an increasing number of equivalent soluble fluorochromes (MESFs), which span the dynamic range of arbitrary fluorescence detection. These standard populations yield discrete fluorescence peaks, facilitating the conversion of arbitrary fluorescence units into MESFs by simple linear regression. The resulting MESFs are then used alongside antibody F/P values to calculate the average number of bound molecules per cell (or BSLB in later steps). The application of estimated cell surface areas to the average number of detected molecules then enables the calculation of physiological densities as molecules/&#181;m2. This quantification protocol can also be adapted to the measurement of protein densities on T cells and the biochemical reconstitution of membrane compositions mediating the formation of homotypic T cell synapses (i.e., T-T synapses9). If needed, the valency of antibody binding can be further estimated by using recombinant targets labeled with known numbers of fluorochromes per molecule. Then, the antibody-binding valency can be calculated for the same BSLB population by simultaneously comparing the number of bound fluorescent proteins and quantification antibodies (using two different quantification fluorochromes and MESF standards).
The reconstitution of APC membranes requires the assembly of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on silica beads1. Liposome stocks containing different phospholipid species can be harnessed to form a versatile lipid-bilayer matrix, enabling the anchoring of recombinant proteins with different binding chemistry (the preparation of liposomes is detailed in 10). Once the physiological density (or densities) of the relevant ligand &#34;on cells&#34; is defined, the same flow cytometry protocol is adapted to estimate the concentration of recombinant protein needed to coat BSLBs with the target physiological density. Two different anchoring systems can be used either in combination or separately.
First, SLB containing a final 12.5 mol% of Ni2+-containing phospholipids is sufficient to provide approximately 10,000 His-tag binding sites per square micron10 and works well to decorate BSLBs with most commercially available proteins whose physiological densities do not exceed this maximum loading capacity. The second loading system harnesses biotin-containing phospholipids (as mol%) to load biotinylated anti-CD3e Fab (or HLA/MHC monomers) via streptavidin bridges. The combination of these two BSLB decoration methods then enables the flexible tailoring of BSLBs as synthetic APCs. For highly complex APC surface compositions, the mol% of phospholipids and proteins can be increased to load as many proteins as the question at hand requires. Once the working concentrations of proteins and mol% of biotinylated phospholipids are defined, BSLBs can be assembled to interrogate the synaptic output of T cells with multiparametric flow cytometry.

preparation of bead-supported lipid bilayers to study the particulate output of t cell immune synapses

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) present three activating signals to T cells engaged in physical contact: 1) antigen, 2) costimulation/corepression, and 3) soluble cytokines. T cells release two kinds of effector particles in response to activation: trans-synaptic vesicles (tSVs) and supramolecular attack particles, which transfer intercellular messengers and mediate cytotoxicity, respectively. These entities are quickly internalized by APCs engaged in physical contact with T cells, making their characterization daunting. This paper presents the protocol to fabricate and use Bead-Supported Lipid Bilayers (BSLBs) as antigen-presenting cell (APC) mimetics to capture and analyze these trans-synaptic particles. Also described are the protocols for the absolute measurements of protein densities on cell surfaces, the reconstitution of BSLBs with such physiological levels, and the flow cytometry procedure for tracking synaptic particle release by T cells. This protocol can be adapted to study the effects of individual proteins, complex ligand mixtures, pathogen virulence determinants, and drugs on the effector output of T cells, including helper T cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, and chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells (CART).

FCM for absolute protein quantification on the cell surface 
The reconstitution of BSLBs presenting physiological densities of ligands requires the estimation of total protein densities on the modeled cell subset. To reconstitute BSLBs, include any relevant ligand expected to play a role in the signaling axis of interest alongside proteins supporting the adhesion and functional interaction between BSLB and cells, such as ICAM-1 and costimulatory molecules, e.g., CD40, CD58, and B7 receptors (CD80 an...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Preparation of Bead-supported Lipid Bilayers to Study the Particulate Output of T Cell Immune Synapses at JoVE.com

Preparation of Bead-supported Lipid Bilayers to Study the Particulate Output of T Cell Immune Synapses

Here we present the protocol for the stepwise reconstitution of synthetic antigen-presenting cells using Bead-Supported Lipid Bilayers and their use to interrogate the synaptic output from activated T cells.

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) present three activating signals to T cells engaged in physical contact: 1) antigen, 2) costimulation/corepression, and 3) ...

preparation-bead-supported-lipid-bilayers-to-study-particulate-output

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

4.1K Views.  The University of Oxford. Here we present the protocol for the stepwise reconstitution of synthetic antigen-presenting cells using Bead-Supported Lipid Bilayers and their use to interrogate the synaptic output from activated T cells. 

Video: Preparation of Bead-supported Lipid Bilayers to Study the Particulate Output of T Cell Immune Synapses

Competitive Homing Assays to Study Gut-tropic T Cell Migration

In order to exert their function lymphocytes need to leave the blood and migrate into different tissues in the body. Lymphocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and tissue extravasation is a multistep process controlled by different adhesion molecules (homing receptors) expressed on lymphocytes and their respective ligands (addressins) displayed on endothelial cells 1 2. Even though the function of these adhesion receptors can be partially studied ex vivo, the ultimate test for their physiological relevance is to assess their role during in vivo lymphocyte adhesion and migration. Two complementary strategies have been used for this purpose: intravital microscopy (IVM) and homing experiments. Although IVM has been essential to define the precise contribution of specific adhesion receptors during the adhesion cascade in real time and in different tissues, IVM is time consuming and labor intensive, it often requires the development of sophisticated surgical techniques, it needs prior isolation of homogeneous cell populations and it permits the analysis of only one tissue/organ at any given time. By contrast, competitive homing experiments allow the direct and simultaneous comparison in the migration of two (or even more) cell subsets in the same mouse and they also permit the analysis of many tissues and of a high number of cells in the same experiment.
Here we describe the classical competitive homing protocol used to determine the advantage/disadvantage of a given cell type to home to specific tissues as compared to a control cell population. We chose to illustrate the migratory properties of gut-tropic versus non gut-tropic T cells, because the intestinal mucosa is the largest body surface in contact with the external environment and it is also the extra-lymphoid tissue with the best-defined migratory requirements. Moreover, recent work has determined that the vitamin A metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the main molecular mechanism responsible for inducing gut-specific adhesion receptors (integrin a4b7and chemokine receptor CCR9) on lymphocytes. Thus, we can readily generate large numbers of gut-tropic and non gut-tropic lymphocytes ex vivoby activating T cells in the presence or absence of RA, respectively, which can be finally used in the competitive homing experiments described here.

Competitive homing experiments allow to directly assessing the migratory properties of two different cell populations in a single mouse. Here we illustrate this procedure by comparing the migration of ex vivo-generated gut-tropic versus non-gut tropic T cells.

In order to exert their function lymphocytes need to leave the blood and migrate into different tissues in the body. Lymphocyte adhesion to endothelial ...

An Introduction to Parasitic Wasps of Drosophila and the Antiparasite Immune Response

Most known parasitoid wasp species attack the larval or pupal stages of Drosophila. While Trichopria drosophilae infect the pupal stages of the host (Fig. 1A-C), females of the genus Leptopilina (Fig. 1D, 1F, 1G) and Ganaspis (Fig. 1E) attack the larval stages. We use these parasites to study the molecular basis of a biological arms race. Parasitic wasps have tremendous value as biocontrol agents. Most of them carry virulence and other factors that modify host physiology and immunity. Analysis of Drosophila wasps is providing insights into how species-specific interactions shape the genetic structures of natural communities. These studies also serve as a model for understanding the hosts' immune physiology and how coordinated immune reactions are thwarted by this class of parasites.
The larval/pupal cuticle serves as the first line of defense. The wasp ovipositor is a sharp needle-like structure that efficiently delivers eggs into the host hemocoel. Oviposition is followed by a wound healing reaction at the cuticle (Fig. 1C, arrowheads). Some wasps can insert two or more eggs into the same host, although the development of only one egg succeeds. Supernumerary eggs or developing larvae are eliminated by a process that is not yet understood. These wasps are therefore referred to as solitary parasitoids.
Depending on the fly strain and the wasp species, the wasp egg has one of two fates. It is either encapsulated, so that its development is blocked (host emerges; Fig. 2 left); or the wasp egg hatches, develops, molts, and grows into an adult (wasp emerges; Fig. 2 right). L. heterotoma is one of the best-studied species of Drosophila parasitic wasps. It is a "generalist," which means that it can utilize most Drosophila species as hosts1. L. heterotoma and L. victoriae are sister species and they produce virus-like particles that actively interfere with the encapsulation response2. Unlike L. heterotoma, L. boulardi is a specialist parasite and the range of Drosophila species it utilizes is relatively limited1. Strains of L. boulardi also produce virus-like particles3 although they differ significantly in their ability to succeed on D. melanogaster1. Some of these L. boulardi strains are difficult to grow on D. melanogaster1 as the fly host frequently succeeds in encapsulating their eggs. Thus, it is important to have the knowledge of both partners in specific experimental protocols.
In addition to barrier tissues (cuticle, gut and trachea), Drosophila larvae have systemic cellular and humoral immune responses that arise from functions of blood cells and the fat body, respectively. Oviposition by L. boulardi activates both immune arms1,4. Blood cells are found in circulation, in sessile populations under the segmented cuticle, and in the lymph gland. The lymph gland is a small hematopoietic organ on the dorsal side of the larva. Clusters of hematopoietic cells, called lobes, are arranged segmentally in pairs along the dorsal vessel that runs along the anterior-posterior axis of the animal (Fig. 3A). The fat body is a large multifunctional organ (Fig. 3B). It secretes antimicrobial peptides in response to microbial and metazoan infections.
Wasp infection activates immune signaling (Fig. 4)4. At the cellular level, it triggers division and differentiation of blood cells. In self defense, aggregates and capsules develop in the hemocoel of infected animals (Fig. 5)5,6. Activated blood cells migrate toward the wasp egg (or wasp larva) and begin to form a capsule around it (Fig. 5A-F). Some blood cells aggregate to form nodules (Fig. 5G-H). Careful analysis reveals that wasp infection induces the anterior-most lymph gland lobes to disperse at their peripheries (Fig. 6C, D).
We present representative data with Toll signal transduction pathway components Dorsal and Sp&auml;tzle (Figs. 4,5,7), and its target Drosomycin (Fig. 6), to illustrate how specific changes in the lymph gland and hemocoel can be studied after wasp infection. The dissection protocols described here also yield the wasp eggs (or developing stages of wasps) from the host hemolymph (Fig. 8).

An Introduction to Parasitic Wasps of Drosophila and the Antiparasite Immune Response

Parasitoid (parasitic) wasps constitute a major class of natural enemies of many insects including Drosophila melanogaster. We will introduce the techniques to propagate these parasites in Drosophila spp. and demonstrate how to analyze their effects on immune tissues of Drosophila larvae.

Most known parasitoid wasp species attack the larval or pupal stages of Drosophila. While Trichopria drosophilae infect the pupal stages of the host (Fig. ...

Imaging of HIV-1 Envelope-induced Virological Synapse and Signaling on Synthetic Lipid Bilayers

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection occurs most efficiently via cell to cell transmission2,10,11. This cell to cell transfer between CD4+ T cells involves the formation of a virological synapse (VS), which is an F-actin-dependent cell-cell junction formed upon the engagement of HIV-1 envelope gp120 on the infected cell with CD4 and the chemokine receptor (CKR) CCR5 or CXCR4 on the target cell 8. In addition to gp120 and its receptors, other membrane proteins, particularly the adhesion molecule LFA-1 and its ligands, the ICAM family, play a major role in VS formation and virus transmission as they are present on the surface of virus-infected donor cells and target cells, as well as on the envelope of HIV-1 virions1,4,5,6,7,13. VS formation is also accompanied by intracellular signaling events that are transduced as a result of gp120-engagement of its receptors. Indeed, we have recently showed that CD4+ T cell interaction with gp120 induces recruitment and phosphorylation of signaling molecules associated with the TCR signalosome including Lck, CD3&zeta;, ZAP70, LAT, SLP-76, Itk, and PLC&gamma;15.
In this article, we present a method to visualize supramolecular arrangement and membrane-proximal signaling events taking place during VS formation. We take advantage of the glass-supported planar bi-layer system as a reductionist model to represent the surface of HIV-infected cells bearing the viral envelope gp120 and the cellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1. The protocol describes general procedures for monitoring HIV-1 gp120-induced VS assembly and signal activation events that include i) bi-layer preparation and assembly in a flow cell, ii) injection of cells and immunofluorescence staining to detect intracellular signaling molecules on cells interacting with HIV-1 gp120 and ICAM-1 on bi-layers, iii) image acquisition by TIRF microscopy, and iv) data analysis. This system generates high-resolution images of VS interface beyond that achieved with the conventional cell-cell system as it allows detection of distinct clusters of individual molecular components of VS along with specific signaling molecules recruited to these sub-domains.

This article describes a method to visualize formation of an HIV-1 envelope-induced virological synapse on glass supported planar bilayers by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. The method can also be combined with immunofluorescence staining to detect activation and redistribution of signaling molecules that occur during HIV-1 envelope-induced virological synapse formation.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection occurs most efficiently via cell to cell transmission2,10,11. This cell to cell transfer between ...

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating the activation and responses of multiple immune cells 3,4. T-cell activation is dependent on the recognition of specific antigens displayed by antigen presenting cells (APCs). The T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is specific to each T-cell clone and determines antigen specificity 5. The binding of the TCR to the antigen induces the phosphorylation of components of the TCR complex. In order to promote T-cell activation, this signal must be transduced from the membrane to the cytoplasm and the nucleus, initiating various crucial responses such as recruitment of signaling proteins to the TCR;APC site (the immune synapse), their molecular activation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, and changes in gene expression 6,7. The correct initiation and termination of activating signals is crucial for appropriate T-cell responses. The activity of signaling proteins is dependent on the formation and termination of protein-protein interactions, post translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation, formation of protein complexes, protein ubiquitylation and the recruitment of proteins to various cellular sites 8. Understanding the inner workings of the T-cell activation process is crucial for both immunological research and clinical applications.
Various assays have been developed in order to investigate protein-protein interactions; however, biochemical assays, such as the widely used co-immunoprecipitation method, do not allow protein location to be discerned, thus precluding the observation of valuable insights into the dynamics of cellular mechanisms. Additionally, these bulk assays usually combine proteins from many different cells that might be at different stages of the investigated cellular process. This can have a detrimental effect on temporal resolution. The use of real-time imaging of live cells allows both the spatial tracking of proteins and the ability to temporally distinguish between signaling events, thus shedding light on the dynamics of the process 9,10. We present a method of real-time imaging of signaling-complex formation during T-cell activation. Primary T-cells or T-cell lines, such as Jurkat, are transfected with plasmids encoding for proteins of interest fused to monomeric fluorescent proteins, preventing non-physiological oligomerization 11. Live T cells are dropped over a coverslip pre-coated with T-cell activating antibody 8,9, which binds to the CD3/TCR complex, inducing T-cell activation while overcoming the need for specific activating antigens. Activated cells are constantly imaged with the use of confocal microscopy. Imaging data are analyzed to yield quantitative results, such as the colocalization coefficient of the signaling proteins.

We describe a live-cell imaging method that provides insight into protein dynamics during the T-cell activation process. We demonstrate the combined usage of the T-cell spreading assay, confocal microscopy and imaging analysis to yield quantitative results to follow signaling complex formation throughout T-cell activation.

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating ...

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 ...

Generation of Lymph Node-fat Pad Chimeras for the Study of Lymph Node Stromal Cell Origin

The stroma is a key component of the lymph node structure and function. However, little is known about its origin, exact cellular composition and the mechanisms governing its formation. Lymph nodes are always encapsulated in adipose tissue and we recently demonstrated the importance of this relation for the formation of lymph node stroma. Adipocyte precursor cells migrate into the lymph node during its development and upon engagement of the Lymphotoxin-b receptor switch off adipogenesis and differentiate into lymphoid stromal cells (B&#233;n&#233;zech&#160;et al.14). Based on the lymphoid stroma potential of adipose tissue, we present a method using a lymph node/fat pad chimera that allows the lineage tracing of lymph node stromal cell precursors. We show how to isolate newborn lymph nodes and EYFP+ embryonic adipose tissue and make a LN/ EYFP+ fat pad chimera. After transfer under the kidney capsule of a host mouse, the lymph node incorporates local adipose tissue precursor cells and finishes its formation. Progeny analysis of EYFP+ fat pad cells in the resulting lymph nodes can be performed by flow-cytometric analysis of enzymatically digested lymph nodes or by immunofluorescence analysis of lymph nodes cryosections. By using fat pads from different knockout mouse models, this method will provide an efficient way of analyzing the origin of the different lymph node stromal cell populations.

Generation of lymph node/fat pad chimeras for the study of lymph node stromal cell origin is described. The method involves the isolation of lymph nodes from newborn mice and embryonic fat pads, the generation of chimeric lymph node-fat pads, and their transfer under the kidney capsule of a host mouse.

The stroma is a key component of the lymph node structure and function. However, little is known about its origin, exact cellular composition and the ...

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 ...

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&#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 ...

Methods to Study Lipid Alterations in Neutrophils and the Subsequent Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Lipid analysis performed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is a relatively simple, cost-effective method of analyzing a broad range of lipids. The function of lipids (e.g., in host-pathogen interactions or host entry) has been reported to play a crucial role in cellular processes. Here, we show a method to determine lipid composition, with a focus on the cholesterol level of primary blood-derived neutrophils, by HPTLC in comparison to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The aim was to investigate the role of lipid/cholesterol alterations in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NET release is known as a host defense mechanism to prevent pathogens from spreading within the host. Therefore, blood-derived human neutrophils were treated with methyl-&#946;-cyclodextrin (M&#946;CD) to induce lipid alterations in the cells. Using HPTLC and HPLC, we have shown that M&#946;CD treatment of the cells leads to lipid alterations associated with a significant reduction in the cholesterol content of the cell. At the same time, M&#946;CD treatment of the neutrophils led to the formation of NETs, as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy. In summary, here we present a detailed method to study lipid alterations in neutrophils and the formation of NETs.

Lipids are known to play an important role in cellular functions. Here, we describe a method to determine the lipid composition of neutrophils, with emphasis on the cholesterol level, by using both HPTLC and HPLC to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

Lipid analysis performed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is a relatively simple, cost-effective method of analyzing a broad range of ...

Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

Helper T cell development and function must be tightly regulated to induce an appropriate immune response that eliminates specific pathogens yet prevents autoimmunity. Many approaches involving different model organisms have been utilized to understand the mechanisms controlling helper T cell development and function. However, studies using mouse models have proven to be highly informative due to the availability of genetic, cellular, and biochemical systems. One genetic approach in mice used by many labs involves retroviral transduction of primary helper T cells. This is a powerful approach due to its relative ease, making it accessible to almost any laboratory with basic skills in molecular biology and immunology. Therefore, multiple genes in wild type or mutant forms can readily be tested for function in helper T cells to understand their importance and mechanisms of action. We have optimized this approach and describe here the protocols for production of high titer retroviruses, isolation of primary murine helper T cells, and their transduction by retroviruses and differentiation toward the different helper subsets. Finally, the use of this approach is described in uncovering mechanisms utilized by microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate pathways controlling helper T cell development and function.

Many experimental systems have been utilized to understand the mechanisms regulating T cell development and function in an immune response. Here a genetic approach using retroviral transduction is described, which is economic, time efficient, and most importantly, highly informative in identifying regulatory pathways.

Helper T cell development and function must be tightly regulated to induce an appropriate immune response that eliminates specific pathogens yet prevents ...