How T Cells Move in Response to Chemokines
Author Information
Author(s): Nandagopal Saravanan, Wu Dan, Lin Francis
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
The different profiles of co-existing CCL19 and CCL21 fields in sub-regions of lymph nodes together with the differential ability of CCL19 and CCL21 for desensitizing CCR7 provide a mechanism for fine tuning T cell trafficking in lymph nodes.
Conclusion
The study suggests a new combinatorial guiding mechanism by CCL19 and CCL21 for the migration and trafficking of T cells.
Supporting Evidence
- CCL21 attracts T cells while CCL19 does not at physiological concentrations.
- T cells migrate randomly in uniform fields of CCL19 and CCL21.
- T cells migrate away from CCL19 in the presence of CCL21.
Takeaway
T cells can be guided by different signals in the body, and this study shows how two specific signals work together to help T cells move where they need to go.
Methodology
The study used microfluidic devices to analyze T cell migration in different configurations of CCL19 and CCL21 fields.
Limitations
The exact difference in production levels of CCL19 and CCL21 in sub-regions of lymph nodes is not defined.
Participant Demographics
Human peripheral blood samples were collected from healthy donors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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