Dresden 2020 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 17: Poster V
BP 17.23: Poster
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 14:00–16:00, P2/1OG
Droplet-Based Multiplexed Screening of Single NK Cells’ Interferon-γ Release and Cytotoxicity — •Tobias Abele1,2, Silvia Antona1,2, Kevin Jahnke1,2, Yannik Dreher1,2, Ilia Platzman1,2, and Joachim P. Spatz1,2 — 1Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany — 2Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Germany
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a fundamental cytokine secreted by natural killer (NK) cells and activated T cells. The amount of IFN-γ released by cytotoxic cells strongly immunomodulates several antitumor mechanisms. Therefore, single-cell analysis of IFN-γ release can help disentangle the heterogeneity of immune cells, leading to breakthrough findings. Towards this end, we exploited droplet-based microfluidics to investigate IFN-γ secretion from single NK cells in correlation with their cytolytic activity. Our method relies on co-encapsulation of activated NK-92 cells, polystyrene beads conjugated with specific IFN–γ capture antibodies and fluorescently labeled detection antibodies within surfactant stabilized water-in-oil compartments. The secreted cytokines are captured and detected via localized fluorescence at the periphery of the beads. Using this method, we thoroughly correlated the IFN-γ released from activated NK-92 cells with their ability to kill a specific target. We believe that the developed method represents a straight-forward approach to unravel the complex heterogeneity of NK cells. Furthermore, we envision our droplet-based assay to deepen the understanding of further immunological challenges such as aberrant IFN-γ expression related to autoimmune diseases.