CXCR3 marks CD4+ memory T lymphocytes that are competent to migrate across a human brain microvascular endothelial cell layer.

Chemokines and their receptors may be implicated in leukocyte ingress into brain during inflammation observed during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). To address receptor modulation on CD4+ memory T lymphocytes during diapedesis, we used an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We found that only memory (CD45RO+) cells transmigrated and type 3 CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR3) was enriched on transmigrated cells.