Efficient ex vivo analysis of CD4+ T-cell responses using combinatorial HLA class II tetramer staining.

ABSTRACT: MHC tetramers are an essential tool for characterizing antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. However, their ex vivo analysis is limited by the large sample requirements. Here we demonstrate a combinatorial staining approach that allows simultaneous characterization of multiple specificities to address this challenge. As proof of principle, we analyse CD4+ T-cell responses to the seasonal influenza vaccine, establishing a frequency hierarchy and examining differences in memory and activation status, lineage commitment and cytokine expression. We also observe cross-reactivity between an established epitope and recent variant and provide a means for probing T-cell receptor cross-reactivity. Using cord blood samples, we correlate the adult frequency hierarchy with the naive precursor frequencies. Las

SUBMITTER: Uchtenhagen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5013714 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature