Name: a simple fluorescence assay for quantification of canine neutrophil extracellular trap release
Uploaded: 2016-11-21T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release at JoVE.com

The authors gratefully acknowledge Drs James Roth, William Nauseef and Kayoko Kimura and Mr Tom Skadow for assistance with development of the canine neutrophil protocols. RDG is supported by a Wellcome Trust Fellowship ref: WT093767MA.

All experiments were performed with ethical permission from the Iowa State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
1. Blood Collection
<ol>
	<li>Draw 9 ml of blood from a saphenous, cephalic or jugular vein directly into anticoagulant (e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1.8 mg K2EDTA/ml blood) vacutainers, or into a syringe with immediate transfer to EDTA-containing blood tubes. Gently roll or invert the blood tubes to ensure adequate mixing of the blood and anti-co...

<ol>
	<li>Schiffman, J. D., Breen, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+oncology:+what+dogs+and+other+species+can+teach+us+about+humans+with+cancer.">Comparative oncology: what dogs and other species can teach us about humans with cancer.</a> Philos Trans Rl Soc B Biol Sci. 370, 1673 (2015).</li><li>Williams, D. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Studies+of+canine+leucocyte+antigens:+a+significant+advance+in+canine+immunology.">Studies of canine leucocyte antigens: a significant advance in canine immunology.</a> Vet J. 153 (1), 31-39 (1997).</li><li>Eckhart, 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=Duplication+of+the+caspase-12+prodomain+and+inactivation+of+NLRC4/IPAF+in+the+dog.">Duplication of the caspase-12 prodomain and inactivation of NLRC4/IPAF in the dog.</a> Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 384 (2), 226-230 (2009).</li><li>Eckhart, 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=Identification+of+novel+mammalian+caspases+reveals+an+important+role+of+gene+loss+in+shaping+the+human+caspase+repertoire.">Identification of novel mammalian caspases reveals an important role of gene loss in shaping the human caspase repertoire.</a> Mol Biol Evol. 25 (5), 831-841 (2008).</li><li>Brinkmann, V., 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=Neutrophil+extracellular+traps+kill+bacteria.">Neutrophil extracellular traps kill bacteria.</a> Science. 303 (5663), 1532-1535 (2004).</li><li>Brinkmann, V., Zychlinsky, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neutrophil+extracellular+traps:+is+immunity+the+second+function+of+chromatin.">Neutrophil extracellular traps: is immunity the second function of chromatin.</a> J Cell Biol. 198 (5), 773-783 (2012).</li><li>Chuammitri, 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=Chicken+heterophil+extracellular+traps+(HETs):+novel+defense+mechanism+of+chicken+heterophils.">Chicken heterophil extracellular traps (HETs): novel defense mechanism of chicken heterophils.</a> Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 129 (1-2), 126-131 (2009).</li><li>Pali&#263;, D., Ostoji&#263;, J., Andreasen, C. B., Roth, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fish+cast+NETs:+neutrophil+extracellular+traps+are+released+from+fish+neutrophils.">Fish cast NETs: neutrophil extracellular traps are released from fish neutrophils.</a> Dev Comp Immunol. 31 (8), 805-816 (2007).</li><li>Poirier, A. C., Schmitt, P., Rosa, R. D., Vanhove, A. S., Kieffer-Jaquinod, S., Rubio, T. 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=Antimicrobial+histones+and+DNA+traps+in+invertebrate+immunity:+evidences+in+Crassostrea+gigas.">Antimicrobial histones and DNA traps in invertebrate immunity: evidences in Crassostrea gigas.</a> J Biol Chem. 289 (36), 24821-24831 (2014).</li><li>Robb, C. T., Dyrynda, E. A., Gray, R. D., Rossi, A. G., Smith, V. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Invertebrate+extracellular+phagocyte+traps+show+that+chromatin+is+an+ancient+defense+weapon.">Invertebrate extracellular phagocyte traps show that chromatin is an ancient defense weapon.</a> Nat Commun. 5, 4627 (2014).</li><li>Kaplan, M. J., Radic, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neutrophil+extracellular+traps:+double-edged+swords+of+innate+immunity.">Neutrophil extracellular traps: double-edged swords of innate immunity.</a> J Immunol. 189 (6), 2689-2695 (2012).</li><li>Menegazzi, R., Decleva, E., Dri, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Killing+by+neutrophil+extracellular+traps:+fact+or+folklore?.">Killing by neutrophil extracellular traps: fact or folklore?.</a> Blood. 119 (5), 1214-1216 (2012).</li><li>Parker, H., Albrett, A. M., Kettle, A. J., Winterbourn, C. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Myeloperoxidase+associated+with+neutrophil+extracellular+traps+is+active+and+mediates+bacterial+killing+in+the+presence+of+hydrogen+peroxide.">Myeloperoxidase associated with neutrophil extracellular traps is active and mediates bacterial killing in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.</a> J Leukoc Biol. 91 (3), 369-376 (2012).</li><li>Martinod, K., Wagner, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Thrombosis:+tangled+up+in+NETs.">Thrombosis: tangled up in NETs.</a> Blood. 123 (18), 2768-2776 (2014).</li><li>Pratesi, 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=Antibodies+from+patients+with+rheumatoid+arthritis+target+citrullinated+histone+4+contained+in+neutrophils+extracellular+traps.">Antibodies from patients with rheumatoid arthritis target citrullinated histone 4 contained in neutrophils extracellular traps.</a> Ann Rheum Dis. 73 (7), 1414-1422 (2014).</li><li>Nauseef, W. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+of+human+neutrophils+from+venous+blood.">Isolation of human neutrophils from venous blood.</a> Methods Mol Biol. 1124, 13-18 (2014).</li><li>Gray, R. 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=Activation+of+conventional+protein+kinase+C+(PKC)+is+critical+in+the+generation+of+human+neutrophil+extracellular+traps.">Activation of conventional protein kinase C (PKC) is critical in the generation of human neutrophil extracellular traps.</a> J Inflamm (Lond). 10 (1), 12 (2013).</li><li>Jeffery, U., 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=Dogs+cast+NETs+too:+Canine+neutrophil+extracellular+traps+in+health+and+immune-mediated+hemolytic+anemia.">Dogs cast NETs too: Canine neutrophil extracellular traps in health and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.</a> Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 168 (3-4), 262-268 (2015).</li><li>McCracken, J. M., Allen, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regulation+of+human+neutrophil+apoptosis+and+lifespan+in+health+and+disease.">Regulation of human neutrophil apoptosis and lifespan in health and disease.</a> J Cell Death. 7, 15-23 (2014).</li></ol>

The DNA release assay presented is a readily quantifiable assay for extracellular DNA. The method was adapted from similar techniques used to assess NET formation in other species, but centrifugation speeds, agonist concentrations and incubation times have been altered to optimize the method for use with canine neutrophils8,17,18. Similar adjustments could be made to adapt the method for other species. The assay is straightforward and inexpensive when compared with other methods for measuring NETosis such as f...

There are over 70 million pet dogs in the USA alone1. As valued family members, these animals often receive cutting edge medical care. Equally because they share our environment, dogs can provide insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of human disease1. However, whether translating discoveries in human medicine into veterinary treatments or vice versa, it is important to thoroughly characterize species variations even in highly conserved systems such as the innate immune response. Examples of differences between the canine and human innate immune system include high expression CD4 on dog neutrophils2; the absence of a functional homolog of the cytoplasmic flagellin sensor IPAF in dogs3 and the expression of a caspase 1/4 hybrid in carnivores4.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a relatively recently discovered component of innate immunity5. NETs are networks of DNA, nuclear and granular proteins released in response to a wide range of inflammatory or infectious stimuli6. NET-like structures have been demonstrated across many species including chickens7, fish8, mollusks9 and acoelomates10, but there are species variations. For example, murine neutrophils respond more slowly to NETosis stimuli than human neutrophils, and form less diffuse NETs11. There is a large body of evidence from multiple species that NETs entrap microbes, and more controversially may be directly involved in killing pathogens12,13. However, NET components also enhance tissue damage, promote thrombosis and act as autoantigens14,15. The balance between the beneficial and deleterious effects of NETs may vary between different diseases and different species, suggesting it is important to investigate NETs both in the species and condition of interest.
Here we describe a simple protocol for inducing and measuring the release of NETs by canine neutrophils. This method is similar to those used to isolate neutrophils16 and induce NETosis in other species, but conditions such as agonist concentration and incubation time have been optimized for canine neutrophils. A similar NET quantification DNA release assay has also been described in other species but the method presented here is also optimized for dogs8,17,18.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="546">
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		<col />
		<col span="2" />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:204px;">Plastic Whole Blood tube with spray-coated K2EDTA</td>
			<td style="width:215px;">BD</td>
			<td style="width:64px;">367835</td>
			<td style="width:64px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Histopaque-1077</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>10771</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Dextran-500</td>
			<td>Accurate chemical and scientific corp.</td>
			<td>AN228410</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Phosphate buffered saline</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher scientific</td>
			<td>20012043</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Fetal bovine calf serum, heat inactivated</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher scientific</td>
			<td>10100139</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">RPMI Media 1640, without phenol red or L-glutamine</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher scientific</td>
			<td>32404-014</td>
			<td>Should be free from phenol red</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">96 well flat bottomed sterile polystyrene plate</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>353072</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P1585</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Platelet activating factor</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P4904</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">SYTOX Green Nucleic Acid Stain</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher scientific</td>
			<td>S7020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Synergy 2 Multi-Mode Reader</td>
			<td>BioTek</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a simple fluorescence assay for quantification of canine neutrophil extracellular trap release

Neutrophil extracellular traps are networks of DNA, histones and neutrophil proteins released in response to infectious and inflammatory stimuli. Although a component of the innate immune response, NETs are implicated in a range of disease processes including autoimmunity and thrombosis. This protocol describes a simple method for canine neutrophil isolation and quantification of NETs using a microplate fluorescence assay. Blood is collected using conventional venipuncture techniques. Neutrophils are isolated using dextran sedimentation and a density gradient using conditions optimized for dog blood. After allowing time for attachment to the wells of a 96 well plate, neutrophils are treated with NET-inducing agonists such as phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate or platelet activating factor. DNA release is measured by the fluorescence of a cell-impermeable nucleic acid dye. This assay is a simple, inexpensive method for quantifying NET release, but NET formation rather than other causes of cell death must be confirmed with alternative methods.

Using this protocol, there should be a strong fold change in fluorescence after stimulating neutrophils with the positive controls, PMA and PAF. As illustrated in Figure 1B, stimulation of canine neutrophils with 31 &#181;M PAF for 1 hr results in a mean 4.0-fold increase in fluorescence compared with non-stimulated cells (range 2.0-5.8, n = 5 dogs)18. PMA at 0.1 &#181;M (Figure 1A) is a slower agonist which does not result in an increase in fl...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release at JoVE.com

A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of DNA, histones and neutrophil proteins. Although a component of the innate immune response, NETs are implicated in autoimmunity and thrombosis. This protocol describes a simple method for canine neutrophil isolation and quantification of NETs using a microplate fluorescence assay.

Neutrophil extracellular traps are networks of DNA, histones and neutrophil proteins released in response to infectious and inflammatory stimuli. Although ...

The overall goal of this experiment is to isolate quiescent neutrophils and measure their DNA release in response to agonists. This method can help answer key questions in immunology and veterinary medicine such as, what is the neutrophil response to various agonists of neutrophil extracelluar trap induction or cell death? The main advantage of this techinique is that it allow the rapid screening of various agonists and inhibitors of neutrophil extracellular trap formation.Begin by inserting a 21-gauge butterfly needle into the cephalic vein of a healthy canine donor then attach a three-milliliter syringe and obtain three three-milliliter blood samples, immediately transferring the samples into uncapped EDTA-containing blood tubes. Take care that the venipuncture is atraumatic and that the blood flow is good, as a poor blood draw will result in a poor neutrophil yield. After filling each tube, invert the tubes to ensure an adequate mixing of the blood and anti-coagulant.Pool the blood in a 50-milliliter conical tube. Mix the samples with an equal volume of sterile room-temperature 3%Dextran 500 by gentle inversion and leave the tube upright for 18 to 20 minutes at room temperature. Then transfer the straw-colored upper layer to a fresh tube until it can no longer be collected without contamination by the lower red layer.Centrifuge the upper layer. Discard the supernatant, manually resuspending the pellet in 10 milliliters of sterile room-temperature PBS. Next, add 10 milliliters of a room-temperature polysucrose in sodium diatrizoate cell separation solution to a 50-milliliter conical tube.Carefully layer the cells over the separation solution. Separate the cells by centrifugation. Discard the upper three plasma and platelet mononuclear cell and density gradient layers.Lyse any of the remaining erythrocytes with 10 milliliters of room-temperature water. After 30 seconds, add 10 milliliters of sterile room-temperature 1.8%sodium chloride to restore the tonicity. Mix the cells by gentle inversion.Now collect the cells by centrifugation. Gently resuspend the white pellet in 10 milliliters of sterile PBS. After counting, centrifuge the cells again and resuspend the pellet at a five times 10 to the sixth cells per milliliter concentration in sterile room-temperature PBS.As appropriate, air-dry a small volume of cells on a glass slide, followed by staining with a rapid fixation and staining kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the neutrophil isolation has been successful, at least 95%of the nucleated cells should be granulocytes with minimal erythrocyte contamination as observed under light microscopy. Immediately after the neutrophil isolation, pass the cell suspension through a sterile 70-micron sterile filter and add five times 10 to the fourth cells to the test wells of a 96-well plate containing culture media for a 30 minute incubation at 39 degrees celsius and 4%carbon dioxide.When the cells have attached, add up to a final volume of 100-200 microliters of the agonist of interest in RPMI without phenol red and supplemented with heat-inactivated FCS to the test wells, as well as to two blank wells containing PBS alone. Then add an appropriate cell-impermeable nucleic acid dye to the cells and return the plate to the incubator. After the appropriate incubation period, measure the fluorescence on a microplate reader.A one-hour stimulation of canine neutrophils with platelet-activating factor results in a mean four-fold increase in fluorescence compared with control non-stimulated cells. PMA however, is a slower agonist that does not demonstrate an increased neutrophil fluorescence before two hours of activation, but which ultimately produces a similar fold increase over time. Nucleic acid dye fluorescence is not specific for neutrophil extracellular trap formation, as it will also occur if there is cell death by other mechanisms or if the reagents are contaminated with DNA.For example, in this representative experiment, a commercial LPS preparation produced very high fluorescence in the absence of neutrophils, presumably due to contamination with bacterial DNA. Once mastered, this technique can be completed in approximately six hours if it is performed properly. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to handle the neutrophils gently.Do not vortex the cells, and pipette off rather than pour off the supernatants. Following this procedure, other methods, like immunofluorescence microscopy, can be performed to confirm that the DNA released correlates to NETosis. After its development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of hematology to explore the interaction of DNA released on coagulation and the effect of novel NET agonists including patient plasma.After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to isolate canine neutrophils and measure their response to agonists.

a-simple-fluorescence-assay-for-quantification-canine-neutrophil

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: How to Generate and Visualize Them

Neutrophil granulocytes are the most abundant group of leukocytes in the peripheral blood. As professional phagocytes, they engulf bacteria and kill them intracellularly when their antimicrobial granules fuse with the phagosome. We found that neutrophils have an additional way of killing microorganisms: upon activation, they release granule proteins and chromatin that together form extracellular fibers that bind pathogens. These novel structures, or Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), degrade virulence factors and kill bacteria1, fungi2 and parasites3. The structural backbone of NETs is DNA, and they are quickly degraded in the presence of DNases. Thus, bacteria expressing DNases are more virulent4. Using correlative microscopy combining TEM, SEM, immunofluorescence and live cell imaging techniques, we could show that upon stimulation, the nuclei of neutrophils lose their shape and the eu- and heterochromatin homogenize. Later, the nuclear envelope and the granule membranes disintegrate allowing the mixing of NET components. Finally, the NETs are released as the cell membrane breaks. This cell death program (NETosis) is distinct from apoptosis and necrosis and depends on the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species by NADPH oxidase5. 
Neutrophil extracellular traps are abundant at sites of acute inflammation. NETs appear to be a form of innate immune response that bind microorganisms, prevent them from spreading, and ensure a high local concentration of antimicrobial agents to degrade virulence factors and kill pathogens thus allowing neutrophils to fulfill their antimicrobial function even beyond their life span. There is increasing evidence, however, that NETs are also involved in diseases that range from auto-immune syndromes to infertility6.
We describe methods to isolate Neutrophil Granulocytes from peripheral human blood7 and stimulate them to form NETs. Also we include protocols to visualize the NETs in light and electron microscopy.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are an important innate immune mechanism to fight pathogenic bacteria, fungi and parasites. Here we describe methods to isolate neutrophil granulocytes from human blood and to activate them to form NETs. We present preparation techniques to visualize NETs in light and electron microscopy.

Neutrophil granulocytes are the most abundant group of leukocytes in the peripheral blood. As professional phagocytes, they engulf bacteria and kill them ...

In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration

Mucosal surfaces serve as protective barriers against pathogenic organisms.&#160;Innate immune responses are activated upon sensing pathogen leading to the infiltration of tissues with migrating inflammatory cells, primarily neutrophils.&#160;This process has the potential to be destructive to tissues if excessive or held in an unresolved state.&#160; Cocultured in vitro models can be utilized to study the unique molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen induced neutrophil trans-epithelial migration.&#160;This type of model provides versatility in experimental design with opportunity for controlled manipulation of the pathogen, epithelial barrier, or neutrophil.&#160;Pathogenic infection of the apical surface of polarized epithelial monolayers grown on permeable transwell filters instigates physiologically relevant basolateral to apical trans-epithelial migration of neutrophils applied to the basolateral surface.&#160;The in vitro model described herein demonstrates the multiple steps necessary for demonstrating neutrophil migration across a polarized lung epithelial monolayer that has been infected with pathogenic P. aeruginosa (PAO1).&#160;Seeding and culturing of permeable transwells with human derived lung epithelial cells is described, along with isolation of neutrophils from whole human blood and culturing of PAO1 and nonpathogenic K12 E. coli (MC1000).&#160; The emigrational process and quantitative analysis of successfully migrated neutrophils that have been mobilized in response to pathogenic infection is shown with representative data, including positive and negative controls.&#160;This in vitro model system can be manipulated and applied to other mucosal surfaces.&#160;Inflammatory responses that involve excessive neutrophil infiltration can be destructive to host tissues and can occur in the absence of pathogenic infections.&#160;A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote neutrophil trans-epithelial migration through experimental manipulation of the in vitro coculture assay system described herein has significant potential to identify novel therapeutic targets for a range of mucosal infectious as well as inflammatory diseases.

In vitro Coculture Assay to Assess Pathogen Induced Neutrophil Trans-epithelial Migration

Neutrophil trans-epithelial migration in response to mucosal bacterial infection contributes to epithelial injury and clinical disease.&#160;An in vitro model has been developed that combines pathogen, human neutrophils, and polarized human epithelial cell layers grown on transwell filters to facilitate investigations towards unraveling the molecular mechanisms orchestrating this phenomenon.

Mucosal surfaces serve as protective barriers against pathogenic organisms.&#160;Innate immune responses are activated upon sensing pathogen leading to ...

In Vitro Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation: Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis by Fluorescence Microscopy

In response to invading pathogens, neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are extracellular networks of DNA decorated with histones and antimicrobial proteins. Excessive NET formation (NETosis) and citH3 release during sepsis is associated with multiple organ dysfunction and mortality in mice and humans but its implications in dogs are unknown. Herein, we describe a technique to isolate canine neutrophils from whole blood for observation and quantification of NETosis. Leukocyte-rich plasma, generated by dextran sedimentation, is separated by commercially available density gradient separation media and granulocytes collected for cell count and viability testing. To observe real-time NETosis in live neutrophils, cell permeant and cell impermeant fluorescent nucleic acid stains are added to neutrophils activated either by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Changes in nuclear morphology and NET formation are observed over time by fluorescence microscopy. In vitro NETosis is further characterized by co-colocalization of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) using a modified double-immunolabelling protocol. To objectively quantify NET formation and citH3 expression using fluorescence microscopy, NETs and citH3-positive cells are quantified in a blinded manner using available software. This technique is a specific assay to evaluate the in vitro capacity of canine neutrophils to undergo NETosis.

In Vitro Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation: Dynamic and Quantitative Analysis by Fluorescence Microscopy

We describe methods to isolate canine neutrophils from whole blood and visualize NET formation in live neutrophils using fluorescence microscopy. Also described are protocols to quantify NET formation and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) expression using immunofluorescence microscopy.

In response to invading pathogens, neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are extracellular networks of DNA decorated with ...

Quantification of Efferocytosis by Single-cell Fluorescence Microscopy

Studying the regulation of efferocytosis requires methods that are able to accurately quantify the uptake of apoptotic cells and to probe the signaling and cellular processes that control efferocytosis. This quantification can be difficult to perform as apoptotic cells are often efferocytosed piecemeal, thus necessitating methods which can accurately delineate between the efferocytosed portion of an apoptotic target versus residual unengulfed cellular fragments. The approach outlined herein utilizes dual-labeling approaches to accurately quantify the dynamics of efferocytosis and efferocytic capacity of efferocytes such as macrophages. The cytosol of the apoptotic cell is labeled with a cell-tracking dye to enable monitoring of all apoptotic cell-derived materials, while surface biotinylation of the apoptotic cell allows for differentiation between internalized and non-internalized apoptotic cell fractions. The efferocytic capacity of efferocytes is determined by taking fluorescent images of live or fixed cells and quantifying the amount of bound versus internalized targets, as differentiated by streptavidin staining. This approach offers several advantages over methods such as flow cytometry, namely the accurate delineation of non-efferocytosed versus efferocytosed apoptotic cell fractions, the ability to measure efferocytic dynamics by live-cell microscopy, and the capacity to perform studies of cellular signaling in cells expressing fluorescently-labeled transgenes. Combined, the methods outlined in this protocol serve as the basis for a flexible experimental approach that can be used to accurately quantify efferocytic activity and interrogate cellular signaling pathways active during efferocytosis.

Efferocytosis, the phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells, is required to maintain homeostasis and is facilitated by receptors and signaling pathways that allow for the recognition, engulfment, and internalization of apoptotic cells. Herein, we present a fluorescence microscopy protocol for the quantification of efferocytosis and the activity of efferocytic signaling pathways.

Studying the regulation of efferocytosis requires methods that are able to accurately quantify the uptake of apoptotic cells and to probe the signaling ...

Automated Image-Based Quantification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Using NETQUANT

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like antimicrobial structures consisting of DNA and granule derived antimicrobial proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy and image-based quantification methods remain important tools to quantitate neutrophil extracellular trap formation. However, there are key limitations to the immunofluorescence-based methods that are currently available for quantifying NETs. Manual methods of image-based NET quantification are often subjective, prone to error and tedious for users, especially non-experienced users. Also, presently available software options for quantification are either semi-automatic or require training prior to operation. Here, we demonstrate the implementation of an automated immunofluorescence-based image quantification method to evaluate NET formation called NETQUANT. The software is easy to use and has a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). It considers biologically relevant parameters such as an increase in the surface area and DNA:NET marker protein ratio, and nuclear deformation to define NET formation. Furthermore, this tool is built as a freely available app, and allows for single-cell resolution quantification and analysis.

Here, we present a protocol for generating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and operating NETQUANT, a fully automatic software option for quantification of NETs in immunofluorescence images.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like antimicrobial structures consisting of DNA and granule derived antimicrobial proteins. ...

A High-throughput Assay to Assess and Quantify Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are immunogenic extracellular DNA structures that can be released by neutrophils upon a wide variety of triggers. NETs have been demonstrated to serve as an important host defense mechanism that traps and kills microorganisms. On the other hand, they have been implicated in diverse systemic autoimmune diseases. NETs are immunogenic and toxic structures that contain a pool of relevant autoantigens including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Different forms of NETs can be induced depending on the stimulus. The amount of NETs can be quantified using different techniques including measuring DNA release in supernatants, measuring DNA-complexed with NET-molecules like myeloperoxidase (MPO) or neutrophil elastase (NE), measuring the presence of citrullinated histones by fluorescence microscopy, or flow cytometric detection of NET-components which all have different features regarding their specificity, sensitivity, objectivity, and quantity. Here is a protocol to quantify ex vivo NET formation in a highly-sensitive, high-throughput manner by using three-dimensional immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. This protocol can be applied to address various research questions about NET formation and degradation in health and disease.

This protocol describes a highly sensitive and high throughput neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) assay for the semi-automated quantification of ex vivo NET formation by immunofluorescence three-dimensional confocal microscopy. This protocol can be used to evaluate NET formation and degradation after different stimuli and can be used to study potential NET-targeted therapies.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are immunogenic extracellular DNA structures that can be released by neutrophils upon a wide variety of triggers. ...

In Vitro Stimulation and Visualization of Extracellular Trap Release in Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages

The release of extracellular traps (ETs) by neutrophils has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of diseases related to chronic inflammation. Neutrophil ETs (NETs) consist of a mesh of DNA, histone proteins, and various granule proteins (i.e., myeloperoxidase, elastase, and cathepsin G). Other immune cells, including macrophages, can also produce ETs; however, to what extent this occurs in vivo and whether macrophage extracellular traps (METs) play a role in pathological mechanisms has not been examined in detail. To better understand the role of METs in inflammatory pathologies, a protocol was developed for visualizing MET release from primary human macrophages in vitro, which can also be exploited in immunofluorescence experiments. This allows further characterization of these structures and their comparison to ETs released from neutrophils. Human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) produce METs upon exposure to different inflammatory stimuli following differentiation to the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype. The release of METs can be visualized by microscopy using a green fluorescent nucleic acid stain that is impermeant to live cells (e.g., SYTOX green). Use of freshly isolated primary macrophages, such as HMDM, is advantageous in modeling in vivo inflammatory events that are relevant to potential clinical applications. This protocol can also be used to study MET release from human monocyte cell lines (e.g., THP-1) following differentiation into macrophages with phorbol myristate acetate or other macrophage cell lines (e.g., the murine macrophage-like J774A.1 cells).

Presented here is a protocol to detect macrophage extracellular trap (MET) production in live cell culture using microscopy and fluorescence staining. This protocol can be further extended to examine specific MET protein markers by immunofluorescence staining.

The release of extracellular traps (ETs) by neutrophils has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of diseases related to chronic ...

Humanized Mediator Release Assay as a Read-Out for Allergen Potency

Mediator release assays analyze in vitro immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation and secretion of mediators by effector cells, such as mast cells and basophils, upon stimulation with serial dilutions of putative allergens. Therefore, these assays represent an essential tool that mimics the in vivo degranulation process, which occurs upon allergen exposure in sensitized patients or in skin prick tests. Additionally, these assays are usually employed to investigate the allergenic potential of proteins and the reactivity of patients' sera's reactivity. Herein, we describe a simple 2-day protocol using an immortalized rat basophil leukemia cell line transfected and humanized with the human high-affinity IgE plasma-membrane receptor (Fc&#949;RI). This variant of the mediator release assay is a robust, sensitive, and reproducible in vitro cell-based system without the need to immobilize the antigen to solid matrices. The protocol consists of the following steps: (1) complement inactivation of human sera, (2) harvesting, seeding, and passive sensitization of the cells, (3) stimulation with antigen to cause mediator release, and (4) measuring of &#946;-hexosaminidase activity as a surrogate for the released inflammatory mediators, such as histamine. The assay represents a useful tool to assess the capacity of the allergen-IgE cross-linking to trigger cell degranulation and can be implemented to standardize allergen extracts, to compare patients' reactivity to minor or major allergens and to allergenic extracts (pollen, cat dander, etc.), to investigate the potency of allergen homologs, isoforms, and fold-variants (e.g., hypoallergenicity), as well as the effects of ligands on the allergenic activity. A more recent application includes the use of the assay to monitor the treatment efficacy in the course of allergen immunotherapy.

Here we present the mediator release assay, using a rat basophilic leukemia cell line transfected with the human IgE receptor, to simulate the degranulation of effector cells typically observed in type 1 allergic reactions. This method investigates the biological activity of allergens in a highly sensitive, reproducible, and tailorable manner.

Mediator release assays analyze in vitro immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation and secretion of mediators by effector cells, such as mast cells ...

Quantifying Myeloperoxidase-DNA and Neutrophil Elastase-DNA Complexes from Neutrophil Extracellular Traps by Using a Modified Sandwich ELISA

Certain stimuli, such as microorganisms, cause neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are basically web-like structures composed of DNA with granule proteins, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE), and cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal proteins. Although interest in NETs has increased recently, no sensitive, reliable assay method is available for measuring NETs in clinical settings. This article describes a modified sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantitatively measure two components of circulating NETs, MPO-DNA and NE-DNA complexes, which are specific components of NETs and are released into the extracellular space as breakdown products of NETs. The assay uses specific monoclonal antibodies for MPO or NE as the capture antibodies and a DNA-specific detection antibody. MPO or NE binds to one site of the capture antibody during the initial incubation of samples containing MPO-DNA or NE-DNA complexes. This assay shows good linearity and high inter-assay and intra-assay precision. We used it in 16 patients with COVID-19 with accompanying acute respiratory distress syndrome and found that the plasma concentrations of MPO-DNA and NE-DNA were significantly higher than in the plasma obtained from healthy controls. This detection assay is a reliable, highly sensitive, and useful method for investigating the characteristics of NETs in human plasma and culture supernatants.

We present a protocol for a modified sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique to quantitatively measure two components of neutrophil extracellular trap remnants, myeloperoxidase conjugated-DNA and neutrophil elastase conjugated-DNA complexes,derived from activated neutrophils.

Certain stimuli, such as microorganisms, cause neutrophils to release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are basically web-like structures ...

Immunofluorescence Staining of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Tissue Samples

Begin by pipetting one drop of ready-to-use blocking solution with donkey serum onto the tissue samples. Then incubate the samples for 30 minutes at room temperature. Remove the excess blocking solution from the slides by tapping the edge against a hard surface.Dilute the primary antibodies in the antibody dilution buffer to prepare 100 microliters of the final solution for each sample. Set up the antibodies, one tube for each primary antibody and one for each isocontrol antibody. Evenly spread 100 microliters of isocontrol antibodies to one sample, and 100 microliters of myeloperoxidase and citrullinated histone H3, or myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase antibody dilution to the other sample.Place the slides in a wet chamber and store them overnight at four degrees Celsius. The following day, tap off excess primary antibody solution from the slides and stack them in a cuvette. Rinse the slides three times for five minutes each using Tris buffered saline with tween To remove the remaining primary antibody solution.Prepare two distinctly fluorescent secondary antibodies, donkey anti-goat for myeloperoxidase and donkey anti-rabbit for citrullinated histone H3 staining. Dilute each antibody to 7.5 micrograms per milliliter concentration in the antibody dilution buffer. Place the slides in a wet chamber and dispense 100 microliters of the secondary antibody solution onto each sample.Incubate them for 30 minutes at room temperature protected from light. Remove excess secondary antibody solution by tapping the slides. Put the slides in a slide rack.Submerge the slides three times for five minutes each in a staining jar filled with PBS to wash off unbound antibodies. Prepare the dappy solution and dilute it to a concentration of one microgram per milliliter with deionized water. Submerge the slide rack in a staining jar containing the dappy solution and incubate for five minutes at room temperature in the dark.Next, submerge the slide rack in a staining jar with PBS for five minutes to wash off any excess dappy solution. Finally, mount the samples using cover slips and mounting medium. The citrullinated histone H3 antibody only bound to the extracellular histones and showed no staining of intracellular histones.The human or mouse specific myeloperoxidase antibody showed no specific staining. While the universal human and mouse antibodies showed consistent good staining for myeloperoxidase. When no blocking agent was used, some mouse samples showed more non-specific and partial positive staining.When blocked, the five minutes blocking time showed good results compared to the 10 minutes blocking time. The higher temperatures in the microwave and water bath showed consistently moderate to good antigen retrieval. Whereas in a 60 degrees Celsius water bath there was only partially positive to no staining.For double staining, more favorable results were obtained for the samples incubated at 96 degrees Celsius water bath. However, exceeding the incubation time of 40 minutes at 96 degrees Celsius resulted in less intense antibody staining.