CRC 914, Project B04: Leukocyte migration and interaction in the context of the developing antibacterial T lymphocyte response

"Time" and "location" are the defining parameters of leukocyte motility and migration. Systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice provides a unique model to study leukocyte migration and interaction processes during the development of antibacterial immunity. We will use a combination of intravital imaging and ex vivo methods to study how leukocytes capture, handle and traffic bacteria within the splenic marginal zone. In addition, we will study how these events influence the induction of pathogen-specific T lymphocytes in the context of the overall developing antibacterial response.