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The Use of Carboxyfluorescein Diacetate Succinimidyl Ester (CFSE) to Monitor Lymphocyte Proliferation
Published on: October 12, 2010
Measuring lymphocyte proliferation, survival and differentiation using CFSE time-series data
Edwin D Hawkins1, Mirja Hommel, Marian L Turner
1Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Nature Protocols
|September 15, 2007
Summary
Quantitative analysis of cell division tracking dye (CFSE) data reveals detailed insights into immune cell proliferation and survival. This method enhances understanding of how various signals regulate lymphocyte dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Cellular proliferation is crucial for adaptive immunity.
- Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) enables tracking of cell divisions.
- Qualitative CFSE analysis offers limited insights into proliferation dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed protocol for quantitative analysis of CFSE time-series data.
- To extract more comprehensive information on cell division and death rates.
- To explore the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation and survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing quantitative CFSE time-series experiments.
- Applying graphical and computer-based data analysis procedures.
- Focusing on methods accessible to all researchers.
Main Results:
- Quantitative methods yield significantly more data than qualitative assessments.
- Detailed insights into lymphocyte proliferation and survival regulation are achievable.
- The impact of co-stimulatory molecules, drugs, and genetic polymorphisms can be elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative CFSE analysis is superior to qualitative methods for studying immune cell dynamics.
- This protocol provides a robust framework for analyzing proliferation and survival.
- Understanding these dynamics is key to deciphering immune responses.
