Rodent models of lymphocyte migration

The ability of leukocytes to migrate out of blood into tissues enables them to perform their surveillance functions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which this migration is accomplished has the potential of unveiling new methods of regulating immune responses. The existing knowledge of rodent physiology and the recent development of knockout mice makes rodents attractive models for studying the mechanisms of leukocyte migration in vivo. This review considers the existing rodent models in light of the knowledge gained from them in lymphocyte migration, and in addition, shows the advantages and limitations of using rodent models in studying lymphocyte migration.