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Illuminating dynamic neutrophil trans-epithelial migration with micro-optical coherence tomography
Kengyeh K Chu1,2, Mark E Kusek3,4, Linbo Liu1,2
1Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Scientific Reports
|April 4, 2017
Summary
New micro-optical coherence tomography (μOCT) allows real-time 4D imaging of neutrophil migration across epithelial barriers. This technique enables detailed study of neutrophil trans-epithelial migration and its molecular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophil migration across mucosal barriers is crucial in inflammation.
- Current in vitro models lack longitudinal observation capabilities.
- Myeloperoxidase assays are destructive, limiting detailed analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a non-destructive imaging technique for studying neutrophil trans-epithelial migration.
- To enable real-time, 4D visualization of neutrophils migrating across epithelia.
- To investigate the impact of molecular events, like CD18 engagement, on neutrophil migration.
Main Methods:
- Development of isotropic 1-μm resolution micro-optical coherence tomography (μOCT).
- Application of μOCT to a co-culture system of polarized mucosal epithelium and human neutrophils.
- Quantitative analysis of neutrophil spatial distribution and migration over time.
- Perturbation of CD18 engagement to assess its effect on migration.
Main Results:
- μOCT successfully provided 4D visualization of neutrophil migration in vitro.
- The technique allowed robust monitoring of neutrophil quantity and spatial distribution.
- CD18 engagement was shown to significantly impact neutrophil trans-epithelial migration both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Conclusions:
- Micro-optical coherence tomography is a powerful tool for studying neutrophil migration dynamics.
- This non-destructive imaging method overcomes limitations of previous assays.
- The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of neutrophil trans-epithelial migration and its regulation.