Trafficking of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes into the central nervous system: use of a transgenic model.

We have used cell or tissue-specific promoters to express lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) proteins in selected cells in independent lines of transgenic mice. Upon adoptive transfers into these mice, MHC-restricted LCMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes homed specifically to either the choroid plexus (SV40 promoter) or beta cells of the islets of Langerhans (rat insulin promoter). The availability of promoters specific for neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes makes this approach compelling for evaluating T cell trafficking into the CNS and for analyzing antigen presentation in vivo in the CNS.