In vivo imaging of lymphocyte trafficking

Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2005:21:581-603. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.21.122303.133159.

Abstract

Over the past decades, intravital microscopy (IVM), the imaging of cells in living organisms, has become a valuable tool for studying the molecular determinants of lymphocyte trafficking. Recent advances in microscopy now make it possible to image cell migration and cell-cell interactions in vivo deep within intact tissues. Here, we summarize the principal techniques that are currently used in IVM, discuss options and tools for fluorescence-based visualization of lymphocytes in microvessels and tissues, and describe IVM models used to explore lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. The latter will be introduced according to the physiologic itinerary of developing and differentiating T and B lymphocytes as they traffic through the body, beginning with their development in bone marrow and thymus and continuing with their migration to secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral tissues.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / classification*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton
  • Microscopy, Video
  • Models, Immunological
  • Staining and Labeling
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology