Screening of Ca²⁺ Influx in Lymphocytes

The Ca²⁺ ion is an important second messenger in lymphocytes, similarly to its function in other mammalian cells. The generation of long-lasting intracellular Ca²⁺ elevations is essential for Ca²⁺-dependent gene transcription, proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production in lymphocytes. Since store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is considered the predominant mode of Ca²⁺ influx in lymphocytes, the activation and function of lymphocytes can be generally predicted by monitoring SOCE. A method suitable for dynamic monitoring of Ca²⁺ influx using fura-2 labeling in lymphocytes is introduced in this chapter. Using this technique, large-scale screening of the activation status of primary or cultured lymphocytes can be realized.