Optogenetic manipulation of calcium signals in single T cells in vivo

Nat Commun. 2020 Mar 2;11(1):1143. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14810-2.

Abstract

By offering the possibility to manipulate cellular functions with spatiotemporal control, optogenetics represents an attractive tool for dissecting immune responses. However, applying these approaches to single cells in vivo remains particularly challenging for immune cells that are typically located in scattering tissues. Here, we introduce an improved calcium actuator with sensitivity allowing for two-photon photoactivation. Furthermore, we identify an actuator/reporter combination that permits the simultaneous manipulation and visualization of calcium signals in individual T cells in vivo. With this strategy, we document the consequences of defined patterns of calcium signals on T cell migration, adhesion, and chemokine release. Manipulation of individual immune cells in vivo should open new avenues for establishing the functional contribution of single immune cells engaged in complex reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Cryptochromes / genetics
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Optogenetics / methods*
  • Photons
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 / genetics
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • CRY2 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Chemokines
  • Cryptochromes
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Stromal Interaction Molecule 1