Adoptive Transfer Colitis.

Abstract

Lymphocytes are an important component of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. T cells in particular are potent inducers of inflammation in this disease as well as recurrent players in chronic lesion formation. Here we describe a method for adoptive transfer colitis in mice, which serves as a T cell-based model of inflammatory bowel disease. Adoptive transfer utilizes naïve CD4+ T cells that are administered to immunodeficient mice, which then induce a chronic pancolitis. Here, protocols are provided for the isolation and purification of naïve CD4+ T cells, as well as proper administration to test mice and important points to consider in monitoring disease progression and potential downstream applications. This method provides a way to target the contribution of T cells to IBD models, as well as providing a repeatable and physiologically relevant model of disease.