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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Multiphoton Intravital Imaging for Monitoring Leukocyte Recruitment during Arteriogenesis in a Murine Hindlimb Model
Published on: September 30, 2021
Imaging interactions between the immune and cardiovascular systems in vivo by multiphoton microscopy
Owain R Millington1, James M Brewer, Paul Garside
1Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Insights
This study visualizes T cell migration in real-time using multiphoton microscopy. These methods reveal immune cell interactions in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Microscopy
Background:
- Multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy visualizes immune responses in real-time in vivo.
- Adaptive immune system plays a significant role in vascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- Dissect the role of T lymphocytes in atherosclerosis in real-time in vivo.
- Provide step-by-step guides for visualizing T cell migration and infiltration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy.
- Developed methods to visualize T cell migration within lymph nodes.
- Developed methods to visualize T cell infiltration into inflamed tissues, including atherosclerotic arteries.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated real-time visualization of T cell migration in vivo.
- Provided insights into T cell behavior within lymph nodes and inflamed tissues.
- Visualized T cell infiltration into atherosclerotic arteries.
Conclusions:
- Methods offer insights into immune cell activation and function in vivo.
- Facilitates understanding of T cell roles in atherosclerosis and vascular disease.
- Enables real-time study of immune responses in various inflammatory conditions.
Abstract:
Several recent studies in immunology have used multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy to visualise the induction of an immune response in real time in vivo. These experiments are illuminating the cellular and molecular interactions involved in the induction, maintenance and regulation of immune responses. Similar approaches are being applied in cardiovascular research where there is an increasing body of evidence to support a significant role for the adaptive immune system in vascular disease. As such, we have begun to dissect the role of T lymphocytes in atherosclerosis in real time in vivo. Here, we provide step-by-step guides to the various stages involved in visualising the migration of T cells within a lymph node and their infiltration into inflamed tissues such as atherosclerotic arteries. These methods provide an insight into the mechanisms involved in the activation and function of immune cells in vivo.
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