Generating CXCR3+ Regulatory T-cells

Example 3

CD4⁺CD45RA⁺ T-cells are transduced with a lentivirus having nucleic acid sequences encoding a CXCR3 polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a FOXP3 polypeptide (FIG. 3). Following transformation, the cells are expanded in the presence of high dose rIL-2 and purified based on low expression of CD127 (IL7 receptor). Other means of purifying the cells as described herein or known in the art can also be used to purify the T-cell. CXCR3 expression is confirmed by flow cytometric analysis using an antibody against the CXCR3 polypeptide (e.g., anti-human CD183 (CXCR3) Biolegend Cat. No. RU0353707). CXCR3 function is also confirmed by an in vitro chemotaxis assay (e.g., transwell migration assay). Briefly, transduced cells are placed in a transwell system with a CXCR3 ligand (e.g., 50-300 ng/mL CXCL10 (human rCXCL10 from R&D Systems Cat No. 266-IP-010)) or a control chemokine present on the side of the membrane opposite the transduced cells. Migration of cells across the membrane is evaluated by flow cytometry using an antibody against CXCR3. Specificity is further confirmed by blocking migration with anti-CXCR3 blocking antibody.