Characterizing CD4 T cell differentiation in mouse small intestine using T cell transfer, lamina propria preparation, and flow cytometry

Studying gene function in T cells is crucial for understanding physiology and dis-ease pathogenesis. Here, we provide a protocol to examine the role of specific genes in CD4+ T cell differentiation in the intestine. We describe steps for isolating naive CD4+ T cells from mouse spleens and transferring them to recipient mice. We detail procedures to isolate lamina propria cells and analyze CD4+ T subsets using flow cytometry. This protocol is useful in the study of mucosal immune functions. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Duan et al.1