Parallel detection of antigen-specific T-cell responses by multidimensional encoding of MHC multimers

SR Hadrup, AH Bakker, CJ Shu, RS Andersen… - Nature …, 2009 - nature.com
SR Hadrup, AH Bakker, CJ Shu, RS Andersen, J Van Veluw, P Hombrink, E Castermans…
Nature methods, 2009nature.com
The use of fluorescently labeled major histocompatibility complex multimers has become an
essential technique for analyzing disease-and therapy-induced T-cell immunity. Whereas
classical major histocompatibility complex multimer analyses are well-suited for the
detection of immune responses to a few epitopes, limitations on human-subject sample size
preclude a comprehensive analysis of T-cell immunity. To address this issue, we developed
a combinatorial encoding strategy that allows the parallel detection of a multitude of different …
Abstract
The use of fluorescently labeled major histocompatibility complex multimers has become an essential technique for analyzing disease- and therapy-induced T-cell immunity. Whereas classical major histocompatibility complex multimer analyses are well-suited for the detection of immune responses to a few epitopes, limitations on human-subject sample size preclude a comprehensive analysis of T-cell immunity. To address this issue, we developed a combinatorial encoding strategy that allows the parallel detection of a multitude of different T-cell populations in a single sample. Detection of T cells from peripheral blood by combinatorial encoding is as efficient as detection with conventionally labeled multimers but results in a substantially increased sensitivity and, most notably, allows comprehensive screens to be performed. We obtained proof of principle for the feasibility of large-scale screening of human material by analysis of human leukocyte antigen A3–restricted T-cell responses to known and potential melanoma-associated antigens in peripheral blood from individuals with melanoma.
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