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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
A High-throughput Compatible Assay to Evaluate Drug Efficacy against Macrophage Passaged Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Published on: March 24, 2017
Growing and Handling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for Macrophage Infection Assays
Evgeniya V Nazarova1, David G Russell2
1Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
Abstract:
Macrophage survival assays are a critical component of any Mycobacterium tuberculosis research program. Here we describe the methods that we use routinely for infection of macrophages of various origins. The protocols are efficient, relatively simple and are accepted widely. We provide users with methods for the infection of small numbers of macrophages-more suitable for microscopy; and for larger numbers of macrophages-for flow cytometry analysis or extraction for biochemical characterization.
Insights
This study details efficient and widely accepted methods for infecting macrophages with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These protocols support both small-scale microscopy and large-scale flow cytometry or biochemical analyses in tuberculosis research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage survival assays are essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) research.
- Standardized and efficient protocols are needed for reliable M.tb. infection studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe routine, efficient, and widely accepted methods for macrophage infection with M.tb.
- To provide protocols suitable for various downstream applications, including microscopy and biochemical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Detailed protocols for the routine infection of macrophages from diverse origins.
- Methods adapted for both small cell numbers (microscopy) and large cell numbers (flow cytometry, biochemical assays).
Main Results:
- The described methods are efficient, relatively simple, and broadly accepted in the scientific community.
- Protocols accommodate different experimental scales and downstream analyses.
Conclusions:
- These macrophage infection protocols are valuable tools for Mycobacterium tuberculosis research.
- The methods facilitate diverse experimental approaches, enhancing research capabilities.
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