Multi-photon microscopy to track migration of DC-primed NK cells in vivo

Our group has produced in-vivo multi-photon microscopy imaging data on the distribution and motility of NK cells by tracking migration of DC-primed NK cells in vivo. Since LPS-activated DC are potent inducers of NK cell priming and lymph nodes appear to be a key place in which DC and NK cell interactions occur, we have investigated the in vivo capacity of resting and DC-primed NK cells to reach the draining lymph nodes. DC –activated NK cells reach the draining lymph node within 24 hours after intravenous injection and persist there for at least 72 hours. NK cells distribute at the periphery of T cell areas, where also DC are known to be located. By further analysis of the molecular mechanisms responsible for NK cell activation by LPS-primed DC, we have found that three soluble DC-derived molecules, IL-2, type I interferons (IFNs), and IL-18, are necessary and sufficient to elicit efficient production of IFN gamma from NK cells. These analyses have been performed also in vivo by using appropriate mouse models in which conditional ablation of DCs can be achieved and we have confirmed the relevance in vivo of DC-derived IL-18, type I IFNs and IL-2 in NK cell activation.

We plan to study the physiological relevance of NFAT activation in DCs and of CD14-mediated activation of NFAT pathway in vivo. We also plan to describe the TLR4 and CD14 signal transduction pathway in DCs following LPS activation.

• cell type
• T cell,
• dendritic cell,
• natural killer cell,
• NK T cell

• molecule type
• lipopolysaccharide,
• Interleukin-2,
• type I interferon,
• Interleukin-18,
• Interferon gamma

• organ type
• human lymph node

• experimental design type
• in vivo design experiment

created over 15 years ago (2 March 2009)    last modified over 13 years ago (28 September 2011)   [ RDF ]   [ RelFinder ]