Analysis of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-Producing T Helper Cells in a Mouse Model of Contact Hypersensitivity

J Vis Exp. 2022 Mar 10:(181). doi: 10.3791/63755.

Abstract

Parallel to traditional Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg lineages, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-producing T helper (Th-GM) cells have been identified as a distinct subset of T helper cells (GM-CSF+ IFN-γ- IL-17A- IL-22- effector CD4+ T cells) in human and mice. Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is considered an excellent animal model for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in human, manifesting an intact T cell-mediated immune response. To provide a standardized and comprehensive assay to analyze the Th-GM cell subset in the T cell-dependent immune response in vivo, a murine CHS model was induced by sensitization/challenge with a reactive, low-molecular-weight, organic hapten, 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). The Th-GM subset in effector CD4+ T cells generated upon immunization with the hapten was analyzed by flow cytometry. We found that Th-GM was mainly expanded in lesions and draining lymph nodes in the DNFB-induced CHS mouse model. This method can be applied to further study the biology of Th-GM cells and pharmacological research of therapeutic strategies centered on GM-CSF in various conditions, such as ACD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dermatitis, Contact*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor*
  • Haptens
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
  • Th17 Cells

Substances

  • Haptens
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor