In Vitro Bacterial Transinfection of T Cells via Immunological Synapse Formation

Source: Cruz-Adalia, A., et al. T Cells Capture Bacteria by Transinfection from Dendritic Cells. J. Vis. Exp. (2016).This video demonstrates bacterial transinfection through antigen-specific T cell–dendritic cell interactions. Bacteria-infected dendritic cells presenting ovalbumin peptide are incubated with T cells, either directly or separated by a membrane. Direct contact allows immunological synapse formation, enabling bacterial transfer, while the membrane prevents interaction. Gentamicin treatment is then done to eliminate extracellular bacteria.