T-Cell Function and Migration — Two Sides of the Same Coin

Since the pioneering work of Gowans and colleagues in the 1960s,1,2 much progress has been made in understanding the pivotal role of cell migration in immunity. We now have considerable knowledge of the way in which specialized leukocytes are channeled to distinct target tissues in immune responses and inflammation (Figure 1). This review will concentrate on the migration of T cells, which are at the heart of most adaptive immune responses.Since T cells respond to pathogens only on direct contact with pathogen-derived antigen, they must migrate to sites where antigen is found. The T-cell receptor recognizes a peptide . . .