Rapid Isolation of Functional ex vivo Human Skin Tissue-Resident Memory T Lymphocytes

Studies in animal models have shown that skin tissue-resident memory T (T(RM)) cells provide enhanced and immediate effector function at the site of infection. However, analyses of skin T(RM) cells in humans have been hindered by the lack of an optimized isolation protocol. Here, we present a combinatorial strategy-the 6-h collagenase IV digestion and gentle tissue dissociation – for rapid and efficient isolation of skin T(RM) cells with skin tissue-specific immune features. In comparison with paired blood circulating memory T cells, these ex vivo isolated skin T cells express typical T(RM) cell markers and display higher polyfunctional properties. Moreover, these isolated cells can also be assessed for longer periods of time in ex vivo cultures. Thus, the optimized isolation protocol provides a valuable tool for further understanding of human skin T(RM) cells, especially for direct comparison with peripheral blood T cells at the same sample collection time.