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 CD4T cells that are administered to immunodeficient mice, which then induce a chronic pancolitis. Here, protocols are provided for the isolation and purification of naïve CD4T 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.