Mouse CD8(+) T Cell Migration in vitro and CXCR3 Internalization Assays

Chemokines are molecules that regulate the positioning of cells during homeostasis and inflammation. CXCL10 is an interferon-induced chemokine that attracts cells that express the chemokine receptor CXCR3 on their surface. CXCL10 expression is often induced upon inflammation and guides lymphocytes, such as T and NK cells, into the injured tissues. Notably, CXCL10 binding to CXCR3 induces receptor internalization and, therefore, low CXCR3 levels in cells positive for CXCR3 expression can be indicative of chemokine signaling. Here, we describe an in vitro method to evaluate the ability of murine CD8(+) T cells to migrate towards recombinant murine CXCL10; and a flow cytometry assay to measure CXCR3 expression levels at the surface of T cells, after exposure to different doses of chemokine.