Natural killer T (NKT) cells are an innate-like T cell subset that recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d-expressing antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. They can be subdivided into two different subsets according to the variation in αβ TCR chains: type I and type II NKT cells. Type I, also called invariant NKT cells (iNKT), express restricted TCRs with an invariant α-chain (Vα24-Jα18 in humans and Vα14-Jα18 in mice) and limited β-chains. Here we have established a protocol in which iNKT cells are isolated from a donor wild-type mouse and transferred into iNKT KO (Jα18-/-) mouse. Below we will explore the methods for cell sorting of splenic iNKTs, iNKT cells transfer, and detection of transferred cells into the liver using flow cytometry technique.
Keywords: Cell sorting; Cell transfer; Flow cytometry; Isolation of splenocytes; Jα18−/− mice; Liver lymphocytes isolation; Retro-orbital injection; iNKT cell.
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