Name: t and b cell receptor immune repertoire analysis using next-generation sequencing
Uploaded: 2021-01-12T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about T and B Cell Receptor Immune Repertoire Analysis using Next-generation Sequencing at JoVE.com

This study was approved by the institutional review board at Sheba Medical Center, and informed written consent was obtained from all participating subjects.
1. DNA isolation and quantification
<ol>
	<li>Digestion and cell lysis of intestinal biopsies
	<ol>
		<li>Retrieve intestinal biopsies, either freshly collected or those stored at -20 &#176;C or -80 &#176;C. If using frozen biopsies, thaw on ice.</li>
		<li>Add 600 &#181;L of nuclei lysis solution to a sterile 1.7 mL micro-centrifuge tu...

<ol>
	<li>Bassing, C. H., Swat, W., Alt, F. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+mechanism+and+regulation+of+chromosomal+V(D)J+recombination.">The mechanism and regulation of chromosomal V(D)J recombination.</a> Cell. 109, 45-55 (2002).</li><li>Roth, D. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=V(D)J+Recombination:+Mechanism,+Errors,+and+Fidelity.">V(D)J Recombination: Mechanism, Errors, and Fidelity.</a> Microbiology Spectrum. 2 (6), (2014).</li><li>Heather, J. M., Ismail, M., Oakes, T., Chain, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=High-throughput+sequencing+of+the+T-cell+receptor+repertoire:+pitfalls+and+opportunities.">High-throughput sequencing of the T-cell receptor repertoire: pitfalls and opportunities.</a> Brief Bioinformatics. 19 (4), 554-565 (2018).</li><li>Pabst, O., Hazanov, H., Mehr, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Old+questions,+new+tools:+does+next-generation+sequencing+hold+the+key+to+unraveling+intestinal+B-cell+responses.">Old questions, new tools: does next-generation sequencing hold the key to unraveling intestinal B-cell responses.</a> Mucosal Immunology. 8 (1), 29-37 (2015).</li><li>Bashford-Rogers, R. J. M., Smith, K. G. C., Thomas, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antibody+repertoire+analysis+in+polygenic+autoimmune+diseases.">Antibody repertoire analysis in polygenic autoimmune diseases.</a> Immunology. 155 (1), 3-17 (2018).</li><li>Lee, Y. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+T+and+B+cell+repertoire+diversity+in+patients+with+RAG+deficiency.">Characterization of T and B cell repertoire diversity in patients with RAG deficiency.</a> Science Immunology. 1 (6), (2016).</li><li>Werner, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alterations+in+T+and+B+Cell+Receptor+Repertoires+Patterns+in+Patients+With+IL10+Signaling+Defects+and+History+of+Infantile-Onset+IBD.">Alterations in T and B Cell Receptor Repertoires Patterns in Patients With IL10 Signaling Defects and History of Infantile-Onset IBD.</a> Frontiers Immunology. 11, 109 (2020).</li><li>Zhang, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immune+receptor+repertoires+in+pediatric+and+adult+acute+myeloid+leukemia.">Immune receptor repertoires in pediatric and adult acute myeloid leukemia.</a> Genome Medicine. 11 (1), 73 (2019).</li><li>Chapman, C. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+T-cell+Receptor+Repertoire+in+Inflamed+Tissues+of+Patients+with+Crohn's+Disease+Through+Deep+Sequencing.">Characterization of T-cell Receptor Repertoire in Inflamed Tissues of Patients with Crohn's Disease Through Deep Sequencing.</a> Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 22 (6), 1275-1285 (2016).</li><li>Werner, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Altered+T+cell+receptor+beta+repertoire+patterns+in+pediatric+ulcerative+colitis.">Altered T cell receptor beta repertoire patterns in pediatric ulcerative colitis.</a> Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 196 (1), 1-11 (2019).</li><li>Bashford-Rogers, R. J. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+the+B+cell+receptor+repertoire+in+six+immune-mediated+diseases.">Analysis of the B cell receptor repertoire in six immune-mediated diseases.</a> Nature. 574 (7776), 122-126 (2019).</li><li>Wu, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expanded+TCRbeta+CDR3+clonotypes+distinguish+Crohn's+disease+and+ulcerative+colitis+patients.">Expanded TCRbeta CDR3 clonotypes distinguish Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients.</a> Mucosal Immunology. 11 (5), 1487-1495 (2018).</li><li>Rosati, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+disease-associated+traits+and+clonotypes+in+the+T-cell+receptor+repertoire+of+monozygotic+twins+affected+by+inflammatory+bowel+diseases.">Identification of disease-associated traits and clonotypes in the T-cell receptor repertoire of monozygotic twins affected by inflammatory bowel diseases.</a> Journam of Crohn's and Colitis. , (2019).</li><li>Allez, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=T+cell+clonal+expansions+in+ileal+Crohn's+disease+are+associated+with+smoking+behaviour+and+postoperative+recurrence.">T cell clonal expansions in ileal Crohn's disease are associated with smoking behaviour and postoperative recurrence.</a> Gut. 68 (11), 1961-1970 (2019).</li><li>Li, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=IMGT/HighV+QUEST+paradigm+for+T+cell+receptor+IMGT+clonotype+diversity+and+next+generation+repertoire+immunoprofiling.">IMGT/HighV QUEST paradigm for T cell receptor IMGT clonotype diversity and next generation repertoire immunoprofiling.</a> Nature Communications. 4, 2333 (2013).</li><li>H, I. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Strategies+for+B-cell+receptor+repertoire+analysis+in+primary+immunodeficiencies:+from+severe+combined+immunodeficiency+to+common+variable+immunodeficiency.">Strategies for B-cell receptor repertoire analysis in primary immunodeficiencies: from severe combined immunodeficiency to common variable immunodeficiency.</a> Frontiers Immunology. 6, 157 (2015).</li><li>Ghraichy, M., Galson, J. D., Kelly, D. F., Truck, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=B-cell+receptor+repertoire+sequencing+in+patients+with+primary+immunodeficiency:+a+review.">B-cell receptor repertoire sequencing in patients with primary immunodeficiency: a review.</a> Immunology. 153 (2), 145-160 (2018).</li><li>Zhuang, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Application+of+immune+repertoire+sequencing+in+cancer+immunotherapy.">Application of immune repertoire sequencing in cancer immunotherapy.</a> International Immunopharmacology. 74, 105688 (2019).</li><li>Liu, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=T+cell+receptor+beta+repertoires+as+novel+diagnostic+markers+for+systemic+lupus+erythematosus+and+rheumatoid+arthritis.">T cell receptor beta repertoires as novel diagnostic markers for systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.</a> Annual Rheumatic Diseases. 78 (8), 1070-1078 (2019).</li><li>Wong, G. K., Heather, J. M., Barmettler, S., Cobbold, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immune+dysregulation+in+immunodeficiency+disorders:+The+role+of+T-cell+receptor+sequencing.">Immune dysregulation in immunodeficiency disorders: The role of T-cell receptor sequencing.</a> Journal of Autoimmunity. 80, 1-9 (2017).</li><li>Delhalle, S., Bode, S. F. N., Balling, R., Ollert, M., He, F. Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+roadmap+towards+personalized+immunology.">A roadmap towards personalized immunology.</a> NPJ System Biology and Applications. 4, 9 (2018).</li><li>Laubli, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+T+cell+repertoire+in+tumors+overlaps+with+pulmonary+inflammatory+lesions+in+patients+treated+with+checkpoint+inhibitors.">The T cell repertoire in tumors overlaps with pulmonary inflammatory lesions in patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors.</a> Oncoimmunology. 7 (2), 1386962 (2018).</li><li>Hogan, S. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Peripheral+Blood+TCR+Repertoire+Profiling+May+Facilitate+Patient+Stratification+for+Immunotherapy+against+Melanoma.">Peripheral Blood TCR Repertoire Profiling May Facilitate Patient Stratification for Immunotherapy against Melanoma.</a> Cancer Immunology Research. 7 (1), 77-85 (2019).</li><li>Aversa, I., Malanga, D., Fiume, G., Palmieri, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+T-Cell+Repertoire+Analysis+as+Source+of+Prognostic+and+Predictive+Biomarkers+for+Checkpoint+Blockade+Immunotherapy.">Molecular T-Cell Repertoire Analysis as Source of Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy.</a> International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21 (7), (2020).</li><li>Hirsch, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Precision+and+prognostic+value+of+clone-specific+minimal+residual+disease+in+acute+myeloid+leukemia.">Precision and prognostic value of clone-specific minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia.</a> Haematologica. 102 (7), 1227-1237 (2017).</li><li>De Simone, M., Rossetti, G., Pagani, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single+Cell+T+Cell+Receptor+Sequencing:+Techniques+and+Future+Challenges.">Single Cell T Cell Receptor Sequencing: Techniques and Future Challenges.</a> Frontiers Immunology. 9, 1638 (2018).</li><li>Zemmour, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-cell+gene+expression+reveals+a+landscape+of+regulatory+T+cell+phenotypes+shaped+by+the+TCR.">Single-cell gene expression reveals a landscape of regulatory T cell phenotypes shaped by the TCR.</a> Nature Immunology. 19 (3), 291-301 (2018).</li><li>Zheng, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Landscape+of+Infiltrating+T+Cells+in+Liver+Cancer+Revealed+by+Single-Cell+Sequencing.">Landscape of Infiltrating T Cells in Liver Cancer Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing.</a> Cell. 169 (7), 1342-1356 (2017).</li></ol>

Changes in abundance and function of B and T lymphocytes are often encountered in different malignancies18, chronic inflammatory disorders (e.g., ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis)10,19, and in various immunodeficiencies17,20. The current method utilizes NGS to facilitate an in-depth view of TCR and BCR repertoires, enabling detection of subtle changes in T and B cell clo...

The adaptive immune system, comprised of T and B lymphocytes, utilizes immunological memory to recognize a previously encountered antigen and initiate a rapid response. Lymphocytes are generated in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus (T cells) or bone marrow (B cells). Both the T cell receptor (TCR) and B cell receptor (BCR) display unique configurations that allow recognition of specific antigens. In homeostasis, T and B cells constantly circulate and survey the trillions of different peptides presented on antigen-presenting cells. TCR or BCR ligation of a specific antigen with high affinity, together with appropriate co-stimulation, leads to cell activation, resulting in cytokine secretion, clonal expansion and generation of antibodies, in the case of B cells.
The enormous array of the different T or B cells is collectively termed immune repertoire, enabling recognition of countless of different epitopes. In order to generate such a vast repertoire, a complex process of random assembly of different gene segments takes place, creating nearly endless combinations of receptors that can bind unique antigens1. This process, called V(D)J recombination, includes rearrangements of different variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) genes, accompanied by random deletions and insertions of nucleotides in the junctions2.
The architecture of the adaptive immune system has interested scientists in different fields for many decades. In the past, Sanger sequencing, complementary determining region 3 (CDR3) spectratyping, and flow cytometry were used to characterize the immune repertoire, but provided low resolution. In the last decade, advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods enabled in-depth insight into the characteristics and composition of an individual&#8217;s TCR and BCR repertoires3,4. These high-throughput systems (HTS) sequence and process millions of rearranged TCR or BCR products simultaneously and permit a high-resolution analysis of specific T and B cells at the nucleotide or amino acid level. NGS provides a new strategy to study the immune repertoire in both health and disease. Studies utilizing HTS demonstrated altered TCR and BCR repertoires in autoimmune diseases5, primary immunodeficiencies6,7, and malignancies, such as in acute myeloid leukemia8. Using NGS, we and others have shown oligoclonal expansion of specific T and B cell clones, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn&#8217;s disease9,10,11,12,13,14. Overall, studies from different fields suggest changes in the repertoire have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated disorders.
The current protocol describes a method for isolation of DNA from intestinal biopsies and blood, generation of TCR&#946; and IGH PCR libraries for NGS, and performance of sequencing run. We also provide basic steps in immune repertoire data analysis. This protocol can be applied for the generation of TCR&#945;, TCR&#947;, and IGL libraries as well. The method is also compatible with other organs (e.g., lymph nodes, tumors, synovial fluid, fat tissue, etc.) as long as tissue-specific digestion protocols are used.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2-propanol</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>I9516-500ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1.7 mL micro-centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>Axygen</td>
			<td>8187631104051</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 mL centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>Greiner</td>
			<td>188261</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Absolute ethanol</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>1.08543.0250</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amplitaq Gold</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>N8080241</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AMPure XP Beads</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>A63881</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heat block</td>
			<td>Bioer</td>
			<td>Not applicable</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High Sensitivity D1000 Sample Buffer</td>
			<td>Agilent</td>
			<td>5067-5603</td>
			<td>For Tapestation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High Sensitivity D1000 ScreenTape</td>
			<td>Agilent</td>
			<td>5067-5584</td>
			<td>For Tapestation. Tubes sold seperately</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lymphotrack Assay kit</td>
			<td>Invivoscribe</td>
			<td>TRB: 70-91210039 IGH: 70-92250019</td>
			<td>Each includes 24 indexes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MiSeq Reagent Kit v2 (500 cycle)</td>
			<td>Illumina</td>
			<td>MS-102-2003</td>
			<td>Includes standard flow cell type and all reagents required</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MiSeq Sequencer</td>
			<td>Illumina</td>
			<td>SY-410-1003</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCR strips</td>
			<td>4titude</td>
			<td>4ti-0792</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Proteinase K</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>EO0491</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Qubit 4 Fluorometer</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>Q33226</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Qubit dsDNA HS Assay Kit</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>Q32854</td>
			<td>Includes buffer, dye, standards, and specialized tubes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shaker</td>
			<td>Biosan</td>
			<td>Not applicable</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tapestation 2100 Bioanalyzer</td>
			<td>Agilent</td>
			<td>G2940CA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ultra pure water</td>
			<td>Bio-lab</td>
			<td>7501</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wizard DNA isolation kit</td>
			<td>Promega</td>
			<td>A1120</td>
			<td>Includes cell lysis solution, nuclei lysis solution, and protein precipitation buffer</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

t and b cell receptor immune repertoire analysis using next-generation sequencing

Immunological memory, the hallmark of adaptive immunity, is orchestrated by T and B lymphocytes. In circulation and different organs, there are billions of unique T and B cell clones, and each one can bind a specific antigen, leading to proliferation, differentiation and/or cytokine secretion. The vast heterogeneity in T and B cells is generated by random recombination of different genetic segments. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, developed in the last decade, enable an unprecedented in-depth view of the T and B cell receptor immune repertoire. Studies in various inflammatory conditions, immunodeficiencies, infections and malignancies demonstrated marked changes in clonality, gene usage, and biophysical properties of immune repertoire, providing important insights about the role of adaptive immune responses in different disorders.
Here, we provide a detailed protocol for NGS of immune repertoire of T and B cells from blood and tissue. We present a pipeline starting from DNA isolation through library preparation, sequencing on NGS sequencer and ending with basic analyses. This method enables exploration of specific T and B cells at the nucleotide or amino-acid level, and thus can identify dynamic changes in lymphocyte populations and diversity parameters in different diseases. This technique is slowly entering clinical practice and has the potential for identification of novel biomarkers, risk stratification and precision medicine.

Herein, we describe a method for DNA isolation from intestinal tissue and blood, preparation of libraries for NGS, and basic steps of a sequencing run for immune repertoire sequencing. The run will generate fastq files, which can be further converted to fasta files for use in the international ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT)/HighV-QUEST platform. This HTS performs and manages many analyses of tens of thousands of rearranged TCR&#946; and IGH sequences, at the nucleotide level15. IMGT/HighV-QUEST enables ana...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about T and B Cell Receptor Immune Repertoire Analysis using Next-generation Sequencing at JoVE.com

T and B Cell Receptor Immune Repertoire Analysis using Next-generation Sequencing

The current protocol describes a method for DNA isolation from blood samples and intestinal biopsies, generation of TCR&#946; and IGH PCR libraries for next-generation sequencing, performance of a NGS run and basic data analysis.

Immunological memory, the hallmark of adaptive immunity, is orchestrated by T and B lymphocytes. In circulation and different organs, there are billions ...

t-b-cell-receptor-immune-repertoire-analysis-using-next-generation

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Anatomy and Physiology

Immunology and Infection

Unit 1

The Lymphatic and Immune System

SCIENTISTS IN ACTION

Transnuclear Mice with Pre-defined T Cell Receptor Specificities Against Toxoplasma gondii Obtained Via SCNT

Lymphocytes, such as T cells, undergo genetic V(D)J recombination, to generate a receptor with a certain specificity1. Mice transgenic for a rearranged antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) have been an indispensable tool to study T cell development and function. However, such TCRs are usually isolated from the relevant T cells after long-term culture often following repeated antigen stimulation, which unavoidably selects for T cells with high affinity. Random genomic integration of the TCR &alpha;- and &beta;-chain and expression from non-endogenous promoters can lead to variations in expression level and kinetics.
Epigenetic reprogramming via somatic cell nuclear transfer provides a tool to generate embryonic stem cells and mice from any cell of interest. Consequently, when SCNT is applied to T cells of known specificity, these genetic V(D)J rearrangements are transferred to the SCNT-embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the mice derived from them, while epigenetic marks are reset. We have demonstrated that T cells with pre-defined specificities against Toxoplasma gondii can be used to generate mouse models that express the specific TCR from their endogenous loci, without experimentally introduced genetic modification. The relative ease and speed with which such transnuclear models can be obtained holds promise for the construction of other disease models.

Transnuclear Mice with Pre-defined T Cell Receptor Specificities Against Toxoplasma gondii Obtained Via SCNT

We demonstrate here that epigenetic reprogramming via Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) can be used as a tool to generate mouse models with pre-defined T cell receptor (TCR) specificities. These transnuclear mice express the corresponding TCR from their endogenous locus under the control of the endogenous promoter.

Lymphocytes, such as T cells, undergo genetic V(D)J recombination, to generate a receptor with a certain specificity1. Mice transgenic for a rearranged ...

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cells Within Murine Aortas

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process of medium and large size vessels that is characterized by the formation of plaques consisting of foam cells, immune cells, vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, platelets, extracellular matrix, and a lipid-rich core with extensive necrosis and fibrosis of surrounding tissues.1 The innate and adaptive arms of the immune response are involved in the initiation, development and persistence of atherosclerosis.2, 3 There is a significant body of evidence that different subsets of the immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, are present within the aortas of healthy and atherosclerosis-prone mice4. Additionally, immune cells are found in the surrounding aortic adventitia which suggests an important role of this tissue in atherogenesis.2
For some time, the quantitative detection of different types of immune cells, their activation status, and the cellular composition within the aortic wall was limited by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods for the study of atherosclerosis. Few attempts were made to perform flow cytometry using human aortas, and a number of problems, such as a high autofluorescence, have been reported5,6. Human atherosclerotic plaques were digested with collagenase 1, and free cells were collected and stained for CD14+/CD11c+ to highlight macrophage-derived foam cells. In this study, a "mock" channel was used to avoid false-positive staining.6 Necrotic materials accumulating during the digestion process give rise in a large amount of debris that generates a high autofluorescence in aortic samples. To resolve this problem, a panel of negative and positive controls has been proposed, but only double staining could be applied in these samples. We have developed a new flow cytometry-based method7 to analyze the immune cell composition and characterize the activation, proliferation, differentiation of immune cells in healthy and atherosclerosis-prone aorta. This method allows the investigation of the immune cell composition of the aortic wall and opens possibilities to use a broad spectrum of immunological methods for investigations of immune aspects of this disease.

This paper presents a flow cytometry-based method to investigate the immune composition of aortas. The paper also illustrates an additional technique that allows examining surrounding adventitia and vessel wall separately. This method opens possibilities to perform phenotypical analyses of aortic leukocytes and apply several immunological assays for atherosclerosis studies.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process of medium and large size vessels that is characterized by the formation of plaques consisting of foam ...

Isolation of Precursor B-cell Subsets from Umbilical Cord Blood

Umbilical cord blood is highly enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells at different lineage commitment stages. We have developed a protocol for isolating precursor B-cells at four different stages of differentiation. Because genes are expressed and epigenetic modifications occur in a tissue specific manner, it is vital to discriminate between tissues and cell types in order to be able to identify alterations in the genome and the epigenome that may lead to the development of disease. This method can be adapted to any type of cell present in umbilical cord blood at any stage of differentiation.	
This method comprises 4 main steps. First, mononuclear cells are separated by density centrifugation. Second, B-cells are enriched using biotin conjugated antibodies that recognize and remove non B-cells from the mononuclear cells. Third the B-cells are fluorescently labeled with cell surface protein antibodies specific to individual stages of B-cell development. Finally, the fluorescently labeled cells are sorted and individual populations are recovered. The recovered cells are of sufficient quantity and quality to be utilized in downstream nucleic acid assays.

Here we describe a protocol for isolating subsets of precursor B-cells from umbilical cord blood. A sufficient quantity and quality of nucleic acids may be extracted from the cells and used in subsequent assays utilizing DNA or RNA.

Umbilical cord blood is highly enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells at different lineage commitment stages. We have developed a protocol for ...

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils

Tonsils form a part of the immune system providing the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. Usually the term &#8220;tonsils&#8221; refers to the palatine tonsils situated at the lateral walls of the oral part of the pharynx. Surgically removed palatine tonsils provide a convenient accessible source of B and T lymphocytes to study the interplay between foreign pathogens and the host immune system. This video protocol describes the dissection and processing of surgically removed human palatine tonsils, followed by the isolation of the individual B and T cell populations from the same tissue sample. We present a method, which efficiently separates tonsillar B and T lymphocytes using an antibody-dependent affinity protocol. Further, we use the method to demonstrate that human adenovirus infects specifically the tonsillar T cell fraction. The established protocol is generally applicable to efficiently and rapidly isolate tonsillar B and T cell populations to study the role of different types of pathogens in tonsillar immune responses.

Palatine tonsils are a rich source of B and T lymphocytes. Here we provide an easy, efficient and rapid protocol to isolate B and T lymphocytes from human palatine tonsils. The method described has been specifically adapted for studies of the viral etiology of tonsil inflammation known as tonsillitis.

Tonsils form a part of the immune system providing the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. Usually the term &#8220;tonsils&#8221; refers to ...

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens

Human CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are known to play an important role in tumor control. In order to carry out this function, the cell surface-expressed T-cell receptor (TCR) must functionally recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted tumor-derived peptides (pHLA). However, we and others have shown that most TCRs bind sub-optimally to tumor antigens. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that define this poor recognition could aid in the development of new targeted therapies that circumnavigate these shortcomings. Indeed, present therapies that lack this molecular understanding have not been universally effective. Here, we describe methods that we commonly employ in the laboratory to determine how the nature of the interaction between TCRs and pHLA governs T-cell functionality. These methods include the generation of soluble TCRs and pHLA and the use of these reagents for X-ray crystallography, biophysical analysis, and antigen-specific T-cell staining with pHLA multimers. Using these approaches and guided by structural analysis, it is possible to modify the interaction between TCRs and pHLA and to then test how these modifications impact T-cell antigen recognition. These findings have already helped to clarify the mechanism of T-cell recognition of a number of cancer antigens and could direct the development of altered peptides and modified TCRs for new cancer therapies.

Here, we describe methods that we commonly employ in the laboratory to determine how the nature of the interaction between the T-cell receptor and tumor antigens, presented by human leukocyte antigens, governs T-cell functionality; these methods include protein production, X-ray crystallography, biophysics, and functional T-cell experiments.

Human CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are known to play an important role in tumor control. In order to carry out this function, the cell ...

Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy

B cells that bind to membrane-bound antigens (e.g., on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell) form an immune synapse, a specialized cellular structure that optimizes B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and BCR-mediated antigen acquisition. Both the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and the reorientation of the microtubule network towards the antigen contact site are essential for immune synapse formation. Remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton into a dense peripheral ring of F-actin is accompanied by polarization of the microtubule-organizing center towards the immune synapse. Microtubule plus-end binding proteins, as well as cortical plus-end capture proteins mediate physical interactions between the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, which allow them to be reorganized in a coordinated manner. Elucidating the mechanisms that control this cytoskeletal reorganization, as well as understanding how these cytoskeletal structures shape immune synapse formation and BCR signaling, can provide new insights into B cell activation. This has been aided by the development of super-resolution microscopy approaches that reveal new details of cytoskeletal network organization. We describe here a method for using stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to simultaneously image actin structures, microtubules, and transfected GFP-tagged microtubule plus-end binding proteins in B cells. To model the early events in immune synapse formation, we allow B cells to spread on coverslips coated with anti-immunoglobulin (anti-Ig) antibodies, which initiate BCR signaling and cytoskeleton remodeling. We provide step-by-step protocols for expressing GFP fusion proteins in A20 B-lymphoma cells, for anti-Ig-induced cell spreading, and for subsequent cell fixation, Immunostaining, image acquisition, and image deconvolution steps. The high-resolution images obtained using these procedures allow one to simultaneously visualize actin structures, microtubules, and the microtubule plus-end binding proteins that may link these two cytoskeletal networks.

Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy

We present a protocol for using STED microscopy to simultaneously image actin structures, microtubules, and microtubule plus-end binding proteins in B cells that have spread on coverslips coated with antibodies to the B-cell receptor, a model for the initial phase of immune synapse formation.

B cells that bind to membrane-bound antigens (e.g., on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell) form an immune synapse, a specialized cellular structure ...

Analysis of Shear Flow-induced Migration of Murine Marginal Zone B Cells In Vitro

Marginal zone B cells (MZBs) are a population of B cells that reside in the mouse splenic marginal zones that envelop follicles. To reach the follicles, MZBs must migrate up the shear force of blood flow. We present here a method for analyzing this flow-induced MZB migration in vitro. First, MZBs are isolated from the mouse spleen. Second, MZBs are settled on integrin ligands in flow chamber slides, exposed to shear flow, and imaged under a microscope while migrating. Third, images of the migrating MZBs are processed using the MTrack2 automatic cell tracking plugin for ImageJ, and the resulting cell tracks are quantified using the Ibidi chemotaxis tool. The migration data reveal how fast the cells move, how often they change direction, whether the shear flow vector affects their migration direction, and which integrin ligands are involved. Although we use MZBs, the method can easily be adapted for analyzing migration of any leukocyte that responds to the force of shear flow.

Marginal zone B cells (MZBs) respond to the force of shear flow by re-orienting their migration path up the flow. This protocol shows how to record and analyze the migration using a fluidics unit, pump, microscope imaging system, and free software.

Marginal zone B cells (MZBs) are a population of B cells that reside in the mouse splenic marginal zones that envelop follicles. To reach the follicles, ...

Identification of Mouse and Human Antibody Repertoires by Next-Generation Sequencing

The immense adaptability of antigen recognition by antibodies is the basis of the acquired immune system. Despite our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of the vast repertoire of antibodies by the acquired immune systems, it has not yet been possible to arrive at a global view of a complete antibody repertoire. In particular, B cell repertoires have been regarded as a black box because of their astronomical number of antibody clones. However, next-generation sequencing technologies are enabling breakthroughs to increase our understanding of the B cell repertoire. In this report, we describe a simple and efficient method to visualize and analyze whole individual mouse and human antibody repertoires. From the immune organs, representatively from spleen in mice and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in humans, total RNA was prepared, reverse transcribed, and amplified using the 5&#39;-RACE method. Using a universal forward primer and antisense primers for the antibody class-specific constant domains, antibody mRNAs were uniformly amplified in proportions reflecting their frequencies in the antibody populations. The amplicons were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS), yielding more than 105 antibody sequences per immunological sample. We describe the protocols for antibody sequence analyses including V(D)J-gene-segment annotation, a bird&#39;s-eye view of the antibody repertoire, and our computational methods.

Here, we describe protocols for the analysis and visualization of the structure and constitution of whole antibody repertoires. This involves the acquisition of vast sequences of antibody RNA using next-generation sequencing.

The immense adaptability of antigen recognition by antibodies is the basis of the acquired immune system. Despite our understanding of the molecular ...

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation

Recognition of surface-tethered antigens&#160;by the B cell receptor (BCR)&#160;triggers the formation of an immune synapse (IS), where both signaling&#160;and antigen uptake are coordinated. IS formation involves dynamic actin remodeling accompanied by the polarized recruitment to the synaptic membrane of the centrosome and associated intracellular organelles such as lysosomes and the Golgi apparatus. Initial stages of actin remodeling allow B cells to increase their cell surface and maximize the quantity of antigen-BCR complexes gathered at the synapse. Under certain conditions, when B cells recognize antigens associated to rigid surfaces, this process is coupled to the local recruitment and secretion of lysosomes, which can facilitate antigen extraction. Uptaken antigens&#160;are internalized into specialized endo-lysosome compartments for processing into peptides, which are loaded onto major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) molecules for further presentation to T helper cells. Therefore, studying organelle dynamics associated with the formation of an IS is crucial to understanding how B cells are activated. In the present article we will discuss both imaging and a biochemical technique used to study changes in intracellular organelle positioning and cytoskeleton rearrangements that are associated with the formation of an IS in B cells.

Herein we describe two approaches to characterize cell polarization events in B lymphocytes during the formation of an IS. The first, involves quantification of organelle recruitment and cytoskeleton rearrangements at the synaptic membrane. The second is a biochemical approach, to characterize changes in composition of the centrosome, which undergoes polarization to the immune synapse.

Recognition of surface-tethered antigens&#160;by the B cell receptor (BCR)&#160;triggers the formation of an immune synapse (IS), where both ...

Gene Knock-in by CRISPR/Cas9 and Cell Sorting in Macrophage and T Cell Lines

Functional genomics studies of the immune system require genetic manipulations that involve both deletion of target genes and addition of elements to proteins of interest. Identification of gene functions in cell line models is important for gene discovery and exploration of cell-intrinsic mechanisms. However, genetic manipulations of immune cells such as T cells and macrophage cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in are difficult because of the low transfection efficiency of these cells, especially in a quiescent state. To modify genes in immune cells, drug-resistance selection and viral vectors are typically used to enrich for cells expressing the CRIPSR/Cas9 system, which inevitably results in undesirable intervention of the cells. In a previous study, we designed dual fluorescent reporters coupled to CRISPR/Cas9 that were transiently expressed after electroporation. This technical solution leads to rapid gene deletion in immune cells; however, gene knock-in in immune cells such as T cells and macrophages without the use of drug-resistance selection or viral vectors is even more challenging. In this article, we show that by using cell sorting to aid selection of cells transiently expressing CRISPR/Cas9 constructs targeting the Rosa26 locus in combination with a donor plasmid, gene knock-in can be achieved in both T cells and macrophages without drug-resistance enrichment. As an example, we show how to express human ACE2, a receptor of SARS-Cov-2, which is responsible for the current Covid-19 pandemic, in RAW264.7 macrophages by performing knock-in experiments. Such gene knock-in cells can be widely used for mechanistic studies.

This protocol uses fluorescent reporters and cell sorting to simplify knock-in experiments in macrophage and T cell lines. Two plasmids are used for these simplified knock-in experiments, namely a CRISPR/Cas9- and DsRed2-expressing plasmid and a homologous recombination donor plasmid expressing EBFP2, which is permanently integrated at the Rosa26 locus in immune cells.

Functional genomics studies of the immune system require genetic manipulations that involve both deletion of target genes and addition of elements to ...