Cell Cycle Analysis: Assessing CD4 and CD8 T Cell Proliferation After Stimulation Using CFSE Staining and Flow Cytometry

Source: Perchet Thibaut^1,2,3, Meunier Sylvain^1,2,3, Sophie Novault⁴, Rachel Golub^1,2,3
1 Unit for Lymphpoiesis, Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
² INSERM U1223, Paris, France
³ Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Cellule Pasteur, Paris, France
⁴ Flow Cytometry Platfrom, Cytometry and Biomarkers UtechS, Center for Translational Science, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France

The cell cycle is a universal process of life. During the cell cycle, a cell undergoes several modifications to divide into two daughter cells. This mechanism occurs throughout an organism's life in response to its needs. Cell divisions and embryonic development produce a full organism from a single-celled zygote. During adulthood, the cell cycle is central to many critical biological processes, such as tissue repairs.

Mechanisms of cell division are tightly controlled events where the cell undergoes stepwise modifications before final division. Cells that are not yet in the cycle are described as being in the Gap 0 (G₀) phase. During this stage the cell is considered quiescent. When the cell starts to cycle, four distinct phases are recognized: Gap 1 (G₁), Synthesis (S), Gap 2 (G₂) and Mitosis (M). G₁ phase is a checkpoint for resources needed by the cell for DNA synthesis. Then, S phase occurs, and DNA replication starts, followed by the G₂ interphase, another checkpoint that controls all elements necessary to for the cell to divide. Finally, the cell enters mitosis and divides into two daughter cells.

Cell division is a highly informative parameter in many different biological systems. In the field of immunology, analysis of leukocyte proliferation can indicate the mechanism of the immune response. Other domains of investigation also rely on cell cycle analysis. For instance, analysis of the cell cycle during tumor development has improved our understanding of cancer.

Many fluorescent dyes are now available for tracking cell proliferation. These dyes differ in their chemical and spectral properties. Two different classes of dyes exist: protein dyes permanently combine with protein by forming a covalent bond, and membrane dyes stably intercalate within cell membranes via strong hydrophobic associations. In vitro and in vivo studies of immune cell proliferation by flow cytometry are among the most common applications of both classes of cell tracking dyes (1, 2).

CFSE (Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) is a fluorescent dye that marks dividing cells. Initially, all the cells receive the same amount of dye; dividing cells evenly split the dye they received between their two daughter cells. Consequently, the cell cycle can be followed by the progressive decrease of dye intensity in the cells. CFSE staining is followed by conventional multi-parametric flow cytometry, a high-throughput, fluorescence-based technology that allows phenotypic and functional characterization of cells based on their degree of CFSE staining (3).

In the following experiment, we assess the proliferation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in-vitro, following CD3 stimulation, using CFSE staining and flow cytometry.

1. Preparation

1. Before beginning, put on laboratory gloves and the appropriate protective clothing.
2. Sterilize all the dissection tools, first with a detergent and then with 70% ethanol and then wipe them dry thoroughly.
3. Prepare 50 mL of Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) containing 2% fetal calf serum (FCS).

2. Dissection

1. Using a carbon dioxide delivery system, euthanize the mouse by hypoxia. Secure the e

In this experiment, we followed proliferation of splenic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in in vitro culture. After 3 days, we did not see strong proliferation in both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells with or without stimulation. This is can be seen on the top panel of Figure 2 where the peaks of CSFE are not decreasing. However, after 5 days, we started to see proliferation in both populations, which is evident from decrease i

Proliferation assays are often used in different fields such as immunology to determine the degree of activation of cells. It is also performed in oncology diagnostic to determine tumor aggressiveness in patients. CFSE staining is a useful technique to follow immune cell populations' proliferation over time. Other methods allow characterization of cell cycle. BrdU, an equivalent of CFSE is incorporated only in dividing cells. Recent Fucci mouse model even allows detection of cell cycle phases, without additional stai

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2. Lyons, A. B. Analyzing cell division in vivo and in vitro using flow cytometric measurement of CFSE dye dilution. Journal of Immunological Methods. 243 (1-2), 147-154, (2000).
3. Quah, B. J., Warren H. S., and Parish, C. R. Monitoring lymphocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo with the intracellular fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester. Nature Protocols. 2 (9): 2049-56, (2007).