CCL21-induced immune cell infiltration

Cellular immune responses can be initiated via peptide presentation by specialized antigen presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs), which stimulate naïve T cells. The trafficking of DCs and T cells is regulated by chemokines such as CCL21. CCL21 is normally expressed in the lymphoid organs and coordinates the interactions between DCs and T cells, thereby contributing to the initiation of T cell responses. In order to comprehend the mechanisms of CCL21 activity and to utilize CCL21 optimally in therapy, understanding the kinetics of the responses of various cell types to CCL21 would be beneficial. Therefore, in this study, we injected mice subcutaneously (s.c.) with CCL21 and examined the DC and T cell infiltration of the local draining lymph node. CCL21 injection resulted in significantly increased numbers of lymphoid and myeloid DCs and effector T lymphocytes in the local node at 4 days. Furthermore, at 4 days small lymphoid-like structures were visible in the injection areas. These results provide guidance for the optimal timing of CCL21 use in combination with vaccines.