Visualization of the T Cell Response in Contact Hypersensitivity.

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is the most basic murine model for type IV hypersensitivity. This dermatitis model is mediated by hapten-sensitized, skin-infiltrating T cells. Recent intravital imaging studies have demonstrated the dynamic migratory property of skin-infiltrating T cells and the orchestrated interaction of T cells with dermal dendritic cells. Multiphoton microscopy enables the direct, three-dimensional, and minimally invasive imaging of in vivo skin samples with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we describe a basic method for the intravital imaging of skin-infiltrating T cells in the DNFB-induced CHS response.