Ca2+ signals in CD4+ T cells during early contacts with antigen-bearing dendritic cells in lymph node.

T cell activation by APC requires cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) elevation. Using two-photon microscopy, we visualized Ca(2+) signaling and motility of murine CD4(+) T cells within lymph node (LN) explants under control, inflammatory, and immunizing conditions. Without Ag under basal noninflammatory conditions, T cells showed infrequent Ca(2+) spikes associated with sustained slowing. Inflammation reduced velocities and Ca(2+) spiking in the absence of specific Ag. During early Ag encounter, most T cells engaged Ag-presenting dendritic cells in clusters, and showed increased Ca(2+) spike frequency and elevated basal [Ca(2+)](i). These Ca(2+) signals persisted for hours, irrespective of whether T cells were in contact with visualized dendritic cells. We propose that sustained increases in basal [Ca(2+)](i) and spiking frequency constitute a Ca(2+) signaling modality that, integrated over hours, distinguishes immunogenic from basal state in the native lymphoid environment.