Intravital 3-photon microscopy of leukocyte dynamics in the splenic white pulp
- Journal
- Cell reports methods (Q1)
- Published
- 25 September 2026
- Study design
- Unclassified
- Evidence level
- Level 5, Expert Opinion (CEBM 5)
- Authors
- Dominik Schienstock, Sapna Devi, Scott N Mueller
- PMID
- 42790429
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101609
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Histology (paper of the day, 27 September 2026): Intravital 3‑photon microscopy method for splenic white pulp imaging
Abstract
Intravital imaging has been instrumental in uncovering the complex behaviors of immune cells during immune responses against viruses and tumors. The spleen is a major hub for systemic immune responses and immune memory. However, imaging of the spleen remains technically challenging, limiting our understanding of the dynamics of cellular interactions within specialized spleen niches, including the white pulp. Here, we present a method to stabilize the spleen for intravital imaging and to capture cell dynamics of the white pulp using 3-photon microscopy. We detail how to process images, quantify cell migration, and integrate behavior with structural information, revealing stromal guidance of T cell migration within deep T cell zones. This method of intravital 3-photon imaging of splenic white pulp supports in-depth investigation of cell dynamics and interactions in health and disease.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.