Microglia are the resident innate immune cells of the CNS and have an important role in maintaining CNS integrity and function. CD Genomics provides large-scale single-cell immunoassays of microglia (huMG) from different brain regions by CyTOF, allowing a detailed phenotypic description of huMG and distinguishing it from other innate immune cells, such as cells from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Microglia, the primary cells of immune surveillance in the brain, can present antigens to CD-4 positive T cells in a molecular context of MHC class II expression and are capable of Fc-mediated phagocytosis. By participating in the clearance of apoptotic neurons, microglia facilitate the refinement of synaptic connections and provide nutritional support for memory and motor learning. Additionally, microglia are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the brain by interacting with neurons and other glial cells and by producing bioactive substances such as growth factors and cytokines.
So far, common techniques for phenotypic characterization of huMG have included immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue and in vitro culture of huMG. These methods are limited by the number of markers that can be investigated simultaneously in a single measurement. As a novel method to analyze microglia phenotypes, CyTOF not only shows antibody labeling on the cell surface but can also be used to study post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation in cell signaling.
Fig.1 Gene expression characteristics and biological functions of disease-associated microglia. (Wang, H.,2021)
CyTOF, also known as mass spectrometry, is an advanced technique for detecting metal-bound cellular markers on the cell surface and inside the cell. The method uses the principle of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the detection of elemental materials in liquids. The technique is now being applied to immunological studies and the number of parameters in the detection panel has increased considerably.
CD Genomics provides microglia protein profiling services on customer-provided samples. We offer services such as isolation, processing, counting, staining, and fixation of cells.
Based on many years of experience in single-cell analysis, CD Genomics is a reliable CyTOF and immunomics specialist. We are expanding the pipeline of assays available to help our customers advance their projects and obtain reliable data. Please contact us for more information.
