High Endothelial Venule Reporter Mice to Probe Regulation of Lymph Node Vasculature

Lymphotoxin (LT) is crucial for the regulation of HEV adhesion molecules MAdCAM-1 and PNAd and a sulfotransferase, GlcNAc6ST-2 (gene symbol Chst4); here called HEC-6ST. Following immunization, some HEVs express markers of both HEVs (PNAd) and LVs (LYVE-1). In order to evaluate this process in real time, we have developed mice transgenic for a construct that consists of an HEV specific gene driving a green fluorescent reporter gene (eGFP). These mice express the reporter gene in HEVs in concurrence with the endogenous gene and PNAd. Additional mice transgenic for lymphatic vessel reporter constructs are in development. These will provide material for in vivo imaging and allow us to evaluate the regulation and interaction of HEVs and LVs.