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Updated: May 12, 2026

Real-Time In Vitro Migration Assay for Primary Murine CD8+ T Cells
Published on: May 24, 2024
The integration of T cell migration, differentiation and function
David Masopust1, Jason M Schenkel
1Department of Microbiology, Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. masopust@umn.edu
Abstract:
T cells function locally. Accordingly, T cells' recognition of antigen, their subsequent activation and differentiation, and their role in the processes of infection control, tumour eradication, autoimmunity, allergy and alloreactivity are intrinsically coupled with migration. Recent discoveries revise our understanding of the regulation and patterns of T cell trafficking and reveal limitations in current paradigms. Here, we review classic and emerging concepts, highlight the challenge of integrating new observations with existing T cell classification schemes and summarize the heuristic framework provided by viewing T cell differentiation and function first through the prism of migration.
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