The authors have no acknowledgements.

<ol>
	<li>Douek, D. 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=Changes+in+thymic+function+with+age+and+during+the+treatment+of+HIV+infection.">Changes in thymic function with age and during the treatment of HIV infection.</a> Nature. 396 (6712), 690-695 (1998).</li><li>Zelm, M. C., Szczepanski, T., van der Burg, M., van Dongen, J. J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Replication+history+of+B+lymphocytes+reveals+homeostatic+proliferation+and+extensive+antigen-induced+B+cell+expansion.">Replication history of B lymphocytes reveals homeostatic proliferation and extensive antigen-induced B cell expansion.</a> J. Exp. Med. 204 (3), 645-655 (2007).</li><li>Fronkova, 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=B-cell+reconstitution+after+allogeneic+SCT+impairs+minimal+residual+disease+monitoring+in+children+with+ALL.">B-cell reconstitution after allogeneic SCT impairs minimal residual disease monitoring in children with ALL.</a> Bone Marrow Transplant. 42 (3), 187-196 (2008).</li><li>Sottini, 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=Simultaneous+quantification+of+recent+thymic+T-cell+and+bone+marrow+B-cell+emigrants+in+patients+with+primary+immunodeficiency+undergone+to+stem+cell+transplantation.">Simultaneous quantification of recent thymic T-cell and bone marrow B-cell emigrants in patients with primary immunodeficiency undergone to stem cell transplantation.</a> Clin. Immunol. 136 (2), 217-227 (2010).</li><li>Serana, F., 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=Thymic+and+bone+marrow+output+in+patients+with+common+variable+immunodeficiency.">Thymic and bone marrow output in patients with common variable immunodeficiency.</a> J. Clin. Immunol. 31 (4), 540-549 (2011).</li><li>Zanotti, 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=Opposite+effects+of+interferon-&#946;+on+new+B+and+T+cell+release+from+production+sites+in+sclerosis.">Opposite effects of interferon-&#946; on new B and T cell release from production sites in sclerosis.</a> J. Neuroimmunol. 240-241, 147-150 (2011).</li><li>Zanotti, 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=Peripheral+accumulation+of+newly+produced+T+and+B+lymphocytes+in+natalizumab-treated+multiple+sclerosis+patients.">Peripheral accumulation of newly produced T and B lymphocytes in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis patients.</a> Clin. Immunol. 145 (1), 19-26 (2012).</li><li>Sottini, 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=Pre-existing+T-+and+B-cell+defects+in+one+progressive+multifocal+leukoencephalopathy+patient.">Pre-existing T- and B-cell defects in one progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy patient.</a> PLoS One. 7, e34493 (2012).</li><li>Quiros-Roldan, 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=Effects+of+combined+antiretroviral+therapy+on+B-+and+T-cell+release+from+production+sites+in+long-term+treated+HIV-1++patients.">Effects of combined antiretroviral therapy on B- and T-cell release from production sites in long-term treated HIV-1+ patients.</a> J. Transl. Med. 10, 94 (2012).</li><li>Mensen, 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=Utilization+of+TREC+and+KREC+quantification+for+the+monitoring+of+early+T-+and+B-cell+neogenesis+in+adult+patients+after+allogeneic+hematopoietic+stem+cell+transplantation.">Utilization of TREC and KREC quantification for the monitoring of early T- and B-cell neogenesis in adult patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.</a> J. Transl. Med. 11, 188 (2013).</li><li>Serana, F., 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+different+extent+of+B+and+T+cell+immune+reconstitution+after+hematopoietic+stem+cell+transplantation+and+enzyme+replacement+therapies+in+SCID+patients+with+adenosine+deaminase+deficiency.">The different extent of B and T cell immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and enzyme replacement therapies in SCID patients with adenosine deaminase deficiency.</a> J. Immunol. 185 (12), 7713-7722 (2010).</li><li>Borte, 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=Neonatal+screening+for+severe+primary+immunodeficiency+diseases+using+high-throughput+triplex+real-time+PCR.">Neonatal screening for severe primary immunodeficiency diseases using high-throughput triplex real-time PCR.</a> Blood. 119 (11), 2552-2555 (2012).</li><li>Baker, M. W., 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=Implementing+routine+testing+for+severe+combined+immunodeficiency+within+Wisconsin's+newborn+screening+program.">Implementing routine testing for severe combined immunodeficiency within Wisconsin's newborn screening program.</a> Public Health Rep. 125 (2), 88-95 (2010).</li><li>Lorenzi, A. R., 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=Determination+of+thymic+function+directly+from+peripheral+blood:+a+validated+modification+to+an+established+method.">Determination of thymic function directly from peripheral blood: a validated modification to an established method.</a> J. Immunol. Meth. 339 (2), 185-194 (2008).</li><li>De Boer, R. J., Perelson, A. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantifying+T+lymphocyte+turnover.">Quantifying T lymphocyte turnover.</a> J. Theor. Biol. 327, 45-87 (2013).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

TREC and KREC quantification can be considered a good estimate of recent thymic and bone marrow output provided that some caveats are taken into account. Even though an absolute quantification method employing standard curve requires more reagents and more space on the real-time PCR reaction plate, it ensures highly accurate quantitative results because unknown sample quantities are interpolated from standard curves built upon known amounts of starting material. Moreover this method is better fitted to detect low amount ...

Cerchi escissione recettore T-cellulare (TREC) e cerchi ricombinazione di escissione-K (eliminazione KRECs) sono piccoli elementi di DNA della circolare che vengono asportate in una proporzione di T e cellule B, rispettivamente, durante un processo di ricombinazione DNA genomico, portando alla formazione di un repertorio altamente diversificato di T e dei recettori delle cellule B. Essi non hanno alcuna funzione, ma perché sono stabili e non possono essere replicate, vengono diluiti dopo ogni divisione cellulare, persistendo quindi solo in una delle due cellule figlie. Pertanto, i livelli nel sangue periferico può essere assunta come una stima della produzione del midollo osseo e timo. Mentre il test TREC è stato ampiamente utilizzato nel corso degli ultimi 15 anni per valutare l&#39;entità della produzione del timo, 1 il test KREC, che è stato sviluppato inizialmente per misurare la proliferazione delle cellule B e il suo contributo alla omeostasi delle cellule B in salute e malattia, 2 è stato solo di recente proposto come marker di osso mfreccia in uscita. 3,4 Qui, descriviamo il metodo che abbiamo sviluppato per la quantificazione simultanea di entrambi TREC e KRECs. 4 Con questo metodo combinato, la variabilità associata quantificazione DNA da PCR in tempo reale è eliminata mediante l&#39;uso di una curva standard unico ottenuta diluendo un plasmide triplo inserto contenente frammenti di TREC, KRECs e T-costante di cella recettore alfa (TCRAC) gene in un rapporto 1: 1: 1. Questo permette una valutazione più accurata del numero di copie TREC e KREC. Inoltre, la quantificazione simultanea dei due bersagli nella stessa reazione permette la riduzione dei costi dei reagenti. La proposta di test TREC / KREC può essere utile per misurare il grado di T e cellule B neo-produzione in bambini o adulti con grave immunodeficienza combinata (SCID), 4 immunodeficienza variabile comune, 5 malattie autoimmuni, 6-8 e l&#39;infezione da HIV . 9 Inoltre, può essere utilizzato permonitorare il recupero immunitario dopo il trapianto di cellule staminali emopoietiche, 10 enzimatica sostitutiva, 11 e antivirale 9 o immunomodulanti terapie. 6-8, infine, perché i pazienti SCID sono rilevati sulla base del test TREC nonostante i difetti genetici sottostanti, e agammaglobulinemia pazienti possono essere identificati usando KREC quantificazione , il dosaggio TREC / KREC può essere utilizzato anche per rilevare immunodeficienze in programmi di screening neonatale. 12 In questo caso, la prova deve essere eseguita su DNA estratto da piccole macchie di sangue cancellato ed essiccato su carta da filtro, deve essere altamente sensibile e specifico per le malattie in questione, così come altamente riproducibile e conveniente. L&#39;introduzione di KREC quantificazione nel test dovrebbe migliorare le prestazioni di screening neonatale per la immunodeficienze, che è stato regolarmente effettuato nel alcune parti degli Stati Uniti (WI, MA, CA) dal 2008, quando Wisconsin è diventato il primo e introduzionee l&#39;analisi del TREC nel suo programma di screening postnatale. 13

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="861">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:296px;">Name of Reagent/ Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:235px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Histopaque-1077</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Sigma Aldrich SRL</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">10771-500 ML</td>
			<td style="width:235px;">density gradient separation method</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (250)</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">QIAGEN</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">51106</td>
			<td style="width:235px;">DNA extraction</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="45">
			<td height="45" style="height:45px;">Unmodified DNA Oligonucleotides HPSF 0.01 mmol</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Eurofins MWG Operon/Carlo Erba Reagents S.r.l&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:235px;">Resuspend the lyophilized product to 100 picmol/&#181;l</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="45">
			<td height="45" style="height:45px;width:296px;">AmpliTaq DNA Polymerase: including 10x Buffer II and 25mM MgCl2</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N8080156</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">GeneAmp dNTP Blend (100 mM)</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">N8080261</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">TOPO TA Cloning Kit for Subcloning</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Invitrogen/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td>K4500-01</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">XL1-Blue Subcloning Grade Competent Cells</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Stratagene</td>
			<td>200130</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">PureYield Plasmid Miniprep System</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Promega</td>
			<td>A1223</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:296px;">SpeI 500U</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>R0133S</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">HindIII-HF 10,000 U</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>R3104S</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">PureYield Plasmid Midiprep System</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Promega</td>
			<td>A2492</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:296px;">XhoI 5,000 U</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>R0146S</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">TRIS Utrapure</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Sigma Aldrich SRL</td>
			<td>T1503</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">EDTA</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Sigma Aldrich SRL</td>
			<td>E5134</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">TE buffer (1 mM TRIS and 0.1 mM EDTA)</td>
			<td style="width:211px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">4364338</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Dual labeled probes HPLC 0.01 mmol</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Eurofins MWG Operon/Carlo Erba Reagents S.r.l&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:235px;">Resuspend the lyophilized product to 100 picmol/&#181;l</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">NanoDrop 2000c spectrophotometer</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">ThermoFisher</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Applied Biosystems 2720 Thermal Cycler</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td>4359659</td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;">Fast 7500 Real-Time PCR system</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:296px;">SDS Sequence Detection Software 1.4</td>
			<td style="width:211px;">Applied Biosystems/Life-Technologies</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td style="width:235px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

simultaneous quantification of t-cell receptor excision circles (trecs) and k-deleting recombination excision circles (krecs) by real-time pcr

T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circularized DNA elements formed during recombination process that creates T- and B-cell receptors. Because TRECs and KRECs are unable to replicate, they are diluted after each cell division, and therefore persist in the cell. Their quantity in peripheral blood can be considered as an estimation of thymic and bone marrow output. By combining well established and commonly used TREC assay with a modified version of KREC assay, we have developed a duplex quantitative real-time PCR that allows quantification of both newly-produced T and B lymphocytes in a single assay. The number of TRECs and KRECs are obtained using a standard curve prepared by serially diluting TREC and KREC signal joints cloned in a bacterial plasmid, together with a fragment of T-cell receptor alpha constant gene that serves as reference gene. Results are reported as number of TRECs and KRECs/106 cells or per ml of blood. The quantification of these DNA fragments have been proven useful for monitoring immune reconstitution following bone marrow transplantation in both children and adults, for improved characterization of immune deficiencies, or for better understanding of certain immunomodulating drug activity.

Il dosaggio è stato effettuato in un campione rappresentativo di 87 controlli sani: 42 bambini di età compresa tra 0-17 (maschi / femmine: 25/17) e 45 adulti di età compresa tra 24-60 (maschi / femmine: 29/16). I risultati sono stati ottenuti come TREC e KRECs per 10 6 PBMC, e poi le TREC e KRECs per ml di sangue sono stati calcolati. Il numero di TREC diminuisce con l&#39;età a causa involuzione timica, 4 in particolare in un modo molto acuto da 0 a 3 - 4 anni. Neg...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles TRECs and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles KRECs by Real-time PCR at JoVE.com

Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles TRECs and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles KRECs by Real-time PCR

Here, we describe a method for simultaneous quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs). The TREC/KREC assay can be used as marker of thymic and bone marrow output.

Quantificazione simultanea di T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles (TREC) e Circles K-Eliminazione ricombinazione Excision (KRECs) per Real-time PCR

T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circularized DNA elements formed during recombination ...

simultaneous-quantification-t-cell-receptor-excision-circles-trecs-k

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles (TRECs) and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles (KRECs) by Real-time PCR

16.3K Views.  Spedali Civili di Brescia. Here, we describe a method for simultaneous quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs). The TREC/KREC assay can be used as marker of thymic and bone marrow output.

Video: Simultaneous Quantification of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circles TRECs and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles KRECs by Real-time PCR

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.

I topi con Transnuclear predefiniti Specificità cellule T contro il recettore Toxoplasma gondii Ottenuto 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 ...

Ricerca

Immunologia e infezioni

A TIRF Microscopy Technique for Real-time, Simultaneous Imaging of the TCR and its Associated Signaling Proteins

Signaling is initiated through the T Cell Receptor (TCR) when it is engaged by antigenic peptide fragments bound by Major Histocompatibility Complex (pMHC) proteins expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). The TCR complex is composed of the ligand binding TCR&alpha;&beta; heterodimer that associates non-covalently with CD3 dimers (the &#949;&delta; and &#949;&gamma; heterodimers and the &zeta;&zeta; homodimer)1. Upon engagement of the receptor, the CD3 &zeta; chains are phosphorylated by the Src family kinase, Lck. This leads to the recruitment of the Syk family kinase, Zap70, which is then phosphorylated and activated by Lck. After that, Zap70 phosphorylates the adapter proteins LAT and SLP76, initiating the formation of the proximal signaling complex containing a large number of different signaling molecules2. 
The formation of this complex eventually results in calcium and Ras-dependent transcription factor activation and the consequent initiation of a complex series of gene expression programs that give rise to T cell differentiation2. TCR signals (and the resulting state of differentiation) are modulated by many other factors, including antigen potency and crosstalk with co-stimulatory/co-inhibitory, chemokine, and cytokine receptors 3-4. Studying the spatial and temporal organization of the proximal signaling complex under various stimulation conditions is, therefore, key to understanding the TCR signaling pathway as well as its regulation by other signaling pathways.
One very useful model system to study signaling initiated by the TCR at the plasma membrane in T cells is glass-supported lipid bilayers, as described previously5-6. They can be utilized to present antigenic pMHC complexes, adhesion, and co-stimulatory molecules to T cells-serving as artificial APCs. By imaging the T cells interacting with the lipid bilayer using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we can restrict the excitation to within 100 nm of the space between the glass and the cell surface 7-8. This allows us to image primarily the signaling events occurring at the plasma membrane. As we are interested in imaging the recruitment of signaling proteins to the TCR complex, we describe a two-camera TIRF imaging system wherein the TCR, labeled with fluorescent Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments of the H57 antibody (purified from hybridoma H57-597, ATCC, ATCC Number:HB-218) which is specific for TCR&beta;, and signaling proteins, tagged with GFP, may be imaged simultaneously and in real time. This strategy is necessary due to the highly dynamic nature of both the T cells and of the signaling events that are occurring at the TCR. This imaging modality has allowed researchers to image single ligands 9-11 as well as recruitment of signaling molecules to activated receptors and is an excellent system to study biochemistry in-situ12-16.

The compartmentalization of proteins either within the plasma membrane or into intracellular locations is one regulatory mechanism that can greatly influence signaling outcomes; hence, to understand signaling it is important to study the spatial and temporal behavior of the proteins involved. We describe here a TIRF microscopy based system to study signal transduction in T cells, but is broadly applicable.

Una tecnica di microscopia TIRF per Real-time, Imaging simultanea del TCR e delle sue proteine ​​associate segnalazione

Signaling is initiated through the T Cell Receptor (TCR) when it is engaged by antigenic peptide fragments bound by Major Histocompatibility Complex ...

Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation

Microglia are cells of the myeloid lineage that reside in the central nervous system (CNS)1. These cells play an important role in pathologies of many diseases associated with neuroinflammation such as multiple sclerosis (MS)2. Microglia in a normal CNS express macrophage marker CD11b and exhibit a resting phenotype by expressing low levels of activation markers such as CD45. During pathological events in the CNS, microglia become activated as determined by upregulation of CD45 and other markers3. The factors that affect microglia phenotype and functions in the CNS are not well studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a growing family of conserved molecules (~22 nucleotides long) that are involved in many normal physiological processes such as cell growth and differentiation4 and pathologies such as inflammation5. MiRNAs downregulate the expression of certain target genes by binding complementary sequences of their mRNAs and play an important role in the activation of innate immune cells including macrophages6 and microglia7. In order to investigate miRNA-mediated pathways that define the microglial phenotype, biological function, and to distinguish microglia from other types of macrophages, it is important to quantitatively assess the expression of particular microRNAs in distinct subsets of CNS-resident microglia. Common methods for measuring the expression of miRNAs in the CNS include quantitative PCR from whole neuronal tissue and in situ hybridization. However, quantitative PCR from whole tissue homogenate does not allow the assessment of the expression of miRNA in microglia, which represent only 5-15% of the cells of neuronal tissue. Hybridization in situ allows the assessment of the expression of microRNA in specific cell types in the tissue sections, but this method is not entirely quantitative. In this report we describe a quantitative and sensitive method for the detection of miRNA by real-time PCR in microglia isolated from normal CNS or during neuroinflammation using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for MS. The described method will be useful to measure the level of expression of microRNAs in microglia in normal CNS or during neuroinflammation associated with various pathologies including MS, stroke, traumatic injury, Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors.

Microglia are resident macrophages that provide the first line of defense and immune surveillance of the central nervous system. MicroRNAs are regulatory molecules that play an important role in many physiological processes including activation and differentiation of macrophages. In this article, we describe the method for measurement of microRNAs in microglia.

Rilevamento dei microRNA nella microglia da Real-time PCR in CNS normale e durante neuroinfiammazione

Microglia are cells of the myeloid lineage that reside in the central nervous system (CNS)1. These cells play an important role in pathologies of many ...

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating the activation and responses of multiple immune cells 3,4. T-cell activation is dependent on the recognition of specific antigens displayed by antigen presenting cells (APCs). The T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) is specific to each T-cell clone and determines antigen specificity 5. The binding of the TCR to the antigen induces the phosphorylation of components of the TCR complex. In order to promote T-cell activation, this signal must be transduced from the membrane to the cytoplasm and the nucleus, initiating various crucial responses such as recruitment of signaling proteins to the TCR;APC site (the immune synapse), their molecular activation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, and changes in gene expression 6,7. The correct initiation and termination of activating signals is crucial for appropriate T-cell responses. The activity of signaling proteins is dependent on the formation and termination of protein-protein interactions, post translational modifications such as protein phosphorylation, formation of protein complexes, protein ubiquitylation and the recruitment of proteins to various cellular sites 8. Understanding the inner workings of the T-cell activation process is crucial for both immunological research and clinical applications.
Various assays have been developed in order to investigate protein-protein interactions; however, biochemical assays, such as the widely used co-immunoprecipitation method, do not allow protein location to be discerned, thus precluding the observation of valuable insights into the dynamics of cellular mechanisms. Additionally, these bulk assays usually combine proteins from many different cells that might be at different stages of the investigated cellular process. This can have a detrimental effect on temporal resolution. The use of real-time imaging of live cells allows both the spatial tracking of proteins and the ability to temporally distinguish between signaling events, thus shedding light on the dynamics of the process 9,10. We present a method of real-time imaging of signaling-complex formation during T-cell activation. Primary T-cells or T-cell lines, such as Jurkat, are transfected with plasmids encoding for proteins of interest fused to monomeric fluorescent proteins, preventing non-physiological oligomerization 11. Live T cells are dropped over a coverslip pre-coated with T-cell activating antibody 8,9, which binds to the CD3/TCR complex, inducing T-cell activation while overcoming the need for specific activating antigens. Activated cells are constantly imaged with the use of confocal microscopy. Imaging data are analyzed to yield quantitative results, such as the colocalization coefficient of the signaling proteins.

We describe a live-cell imaging method that provides insight into protein dynamics during the T-cell activation process. We demonstrate the combined usage of the T-cell spreading assay, confocal microscopy and imaging analysis to yield quantitative results to follow signaling complex formation throughout T-cell activation.

Tempo reale Imaging in diretta di cellule T Signaling formazione del complesso

Protection against infectious diseases is mediated by the immune system 1,2. T lymphocytes are the master coordinators of the immune system, regulating ...

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes

Described in this report is a qRT-PCR assay for the analysis of seventeen human IFN subtypes in a 384-well plate format that incorporates highly specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) and molecular beacon (MB) probes, transcript standards, automated multichannel pipetting, and plate drying. Determining expression among the type I interferons (IFN), especially the twelve IFN-&#945; subtypes, is limited by their shared sequence identity; likewise, the sequences of the type III IFN, especially IFN-&#955;2 and -&#955;3, are highly similar. This assay provides a reliable, reproducible, and relatively inexpensive means to analyze the expression of the seventeen interferon subtype transcripts.

This protocol describes a high-throughput qRT-PCR assay for the analysis of type I and III IFN expression signatures. The assay discriminates single base pair differences between the highly similar transcripts of these genes. Through batch assembly and robotic pipetting, the assays are consistent and reproducible.

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR test per la determinazione di espressione Profili di tipo I e III interferone sottotipi

Described in this report is a qRT-PCR assay for the analysis of seventeen human IFN subtypes in a 384-well plate format that incorporates highly specific ...

Retroviral Transduction of Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells to Generate T-cell Receptor Retrogenic Mice

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is essential in the development and differentiation of T cells in the thymus and periphery, respectively. The vast array of TCRs proves studying a specific antigenic response difficult. Therefore, TCR transgenic mice were made to study positive and negative selection in the thymus as well as peripheral T cell activation, proliferation and tolerance. However, relatively few TCR transgenic mice have been generated specific to any given antigen. Thus, studies involving TCRs of varying affinities for the same antigenic peptide have been lacking. The generation of a new TCR transgenic line can take six or more months. Additionally, any specific backcrosses can take an additional six months. In order to allow faster generation and screening of multiple TCRs, a protocol for retroviral transduction of bone marrow was established with stoichiometric expression of the TCR&#945; and TCR&#946; chains and the generation of retrogenic mice. Each retrogenic mouse is essentially a founder, virtually negating a founder effect, while the length of time to generate a TCR retrogenic is cut from six months to approximately six weeks. Here we present a rapid and flexible alternative to TCR transgenic mice that can be expressed on any chosen background with any particular TCR.

We present a rapid and flexible protocol for a single T cell receptor (TCR) retroviral-based in vivo expression system. Retroviral vectors are used to transduce bone marrow progenitor cells to study T cell development and function of a single TCR in vivo as an alternative to TCR transgenic mice.

Trasduzione retrovirale di cellule progenitrici del midollo osseo per generare cellule T del recettore Retrogenic Mice

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is essential in the development and differentiation of T cells in the thymus and periphery, respectively.  The vast array ...

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

The ribosomal spacer PCR (RS-PCR) is a highly resolving and robust genotyping method for S. aureus that allows a high throughput at moderate costs and is, therefore, suitable to be used for routine purposes. For best resolution, data evaluation and data management, a miniaturized electrophoresis system is required. Together with such an electrophoresis system and the in-house developed software (freely available here) assignment of the pattern of bands to a genotype is standardized and straight forward. DNA extraction is simple (boiling prep), setting-up of the reactions is easy and they can be run on any standard PCR machine. PCR cycling is common except prolonged ramping and elongation times. Compared to spa typing and Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), RS-PCR does not require DNA sequencing what simplifies the analysis considerably and allows a high throughput. Furthermore, the resolution for bovine strains of S. aureus is at least as good as spa typing and better than MLST or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The RS-PCR data base includes presently a total of 141 genotypes and variants. The method is highly associated with the virulence gene pattern, contagiosity and pathogenicity of S. aureus strains involved in bovine mastitis. S. aureus genotype B (GTB) is contagious and causes herds problems causing large costs in the Switzerland and other European countries. All the other genotypes observed in Switzerland infect individual cows and quarters. Genotyping by RS-PCR allows the reliable prediction of the epidemiological and the pathogenic potential of S. aureus involved in bovine intramammary infection (IMI), two key factors for clinical veterinary medicine. Because of these beneficial properties together with moderate costs and a high sample throughput the goal of this publication is to give a detailed, step-by-step protocol for easily establishing and running RS-PCR for genotyping S. aureus in other laboratories.

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR RS-PCR

Here, ribosomal spacer PCR (RS-PCR) is used together with a miniaturized electrophoresis system as a fast and high resolution method for genotyping S. aureus at moderate costs allowing a high throughput.

La genotipizzazione di<em&gt; Staphylococcus aureus</em&gt; Per ribosomiale Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

The ribosomal spacer PCR (RS-PCR) is a highly resolving and robust genotyping method for S. aureus that allows a high throughput at moderate costs and is, ...

Real-time Imaging and Quantification of Fungal Biofilm Development Using a Two-Phase Recirculating Flow System

In oropharyngeal candidiasis, members of the genus Candida must adhere to and grow on the oral mucosal surface while under the effects of salivary flow. While models for the growth under flow have been developed, many of these systems are expensive, or do not allow imaging while the cells are under flow. We have developed a novel apparatus that allows us to image the growth and development of Candida albicans cells under flow and in real-time. Here, we detail the protocol for the assembly and use of this flow apparatus, as well as the quantification of data that are generated. We are able to quantify the rates that the cells attach to and detach from the slide, as well as to determine a measure of the biomass on the slide over time. This system is both economical and versatile, working with many types of light microscopes, including inexpensive benchtop microscopes, and is capable of extended imaging times compared to other flow systems. Overall, this is a low-throughput system that can provide highly detailed real-time information on the biofilm growth of fungal species under flow.

We describe the assembly, operation, and cleaning of a flow apparatus designed to image fungal biofilm formation in real time while under flow. We also provide and discuss quantitative algorithms to be used on the acquired images.

Imaging in tempo reale e quantificazione dello sviluppo di Biofilm fungine utilizza un sistema bifase di flusso a ricircolo

In oropharyngeal candidiasis, members of the genus Candida must adhere to and grow on the oral mucosal surface while under the effects of salivary flow. ...

Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries

The T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway comprises a multitude of mediators that transmit signals upon the activation of the TCR. Different strategies have been proposed and implemented for the identification of new mediators of TCR signaling, which would improve the understanding of T-cell processes, including activation and thymic selection. We describe a screening assay that enables the identification of molecules that influence TCR signaling based on the activation of developing thymocytes. Strong TCR signals cause developing thymocytes to activate apoptotic machinery in a process known as negative selection. Through the application of kinase inhibitors, those with targets that affect TCR signaling are able to override the process of negative selection. The method detailed in this paper can be used to identify inhibitors of canonical kinases with established roles in the TCR signaling pathways and also inhibitors of new kinases yet to be established in the TCR signaling pathways. The screening strategy here can be applied to screens of higher throughput for the identification of novel druggable targets in TCR signaling.

Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries

This paper uses a flow-cytometry-based assay to screen libraries of chemical inhibitors for the identification of inhibitors and their targets that influence T-cell receptor signaling. The methods described here can also be expanded for high-throughput screenings.

Identificazione dei mediatori del T-cell Receptor segnalazione tramite lo Screening di librerie chimiche inibitore

The T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway comprises a multitude of mediators that transmit signals upon the activation of the TCR. Different strategies ...

A Real-time Potency Assay for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting Solid and Hematological Cancer Cells

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for cancer has achieved significant clinical benefit for resistant and refractory hematological malignancies such as childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia. Efforts are currently underway to extend this promising therapy to solid tumors in addition to other hematological cancers. Here, we describe the development and production of potent CAR T cells targeting antigens with unique or preferential expression on solid and liquid tumor cells. The in vitro potency of these CAR T cells is then evaluated in real-time using the highly sensitive impedance-based xCELLigence assay. Specifically, the impact of different costimulatory signaling domains, such as glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related protein (GITR), on the in vitro potency of CAR T cells is examined. This report includes protocols for: generating CAR T cells for preclinical studies using lentiviral gene transduction, expanding CAR T cells, validating CAR expression, and running and analyzing xCELLigence potency assays.

We describe a quantitative real-time in vitro cytolysis assay system to evaluate the potency of chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting liquid and solid tumor cells. This protocol can be extended to assess other immune effector cells, as well as combination treatments.