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Published on: December 1, 2014
Mouse Eosinophils: Identification, Isolation, and Functional Analysis
Hadar Reichman1, Perri Rozenberg1, Ariel Munitz1
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Abstract:
Eosinophils are bone marrow-derived cells that differentiate in the bone marrow and migrate into the peripheral blood primarily under the regulation of interleukin (IL)-5. Eosinophil levels in the blood are relatively low. However, under steady-state conditions and in settings of allergic inflammation, parasite infections, or even cancer, they migrate and mainly reside in mucosal tissues where they have key effector and immune-modulating functions. Functional studies using eosinophils are not simple, since these cells are terminally differentiated and rapidly die in vitro. Thus, establishing simple methods to characterize, obtain, and functionally assess eosinophil activities is important. In this unit, we describe methodology for identifying tissue eosinophils by flow cytometry. In addition, we provide detailed methods for isolating eosinophils and for differentiating them from bone marrow cells for further functional studies. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Insights
This study details methods for identifying and isolating eosinophils, crucial immune cells involved in inflammation and immunity. These techniques enable better functional assessment of eosinophils in research settings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Eosinophils are bone marrow-derived immune cells regulated by interleukin-5 (IL-5).
- They play key roles in mucosal tissues during allergic inflammation, parasitic infections, and cancer.
- Functional studies of eosinophils are challenging due to their terminal differentiation and rapid in vitro death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish simple and effective methods for characterizing and obtaining eosinophils for functional studies.
- To provide detailed protocols for identifying tissue eosinophils and isolating them from bone marrow.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry for identifying tissue eosinophils.
- Detailed protocols for isolating eosinophils from bone marrow.
- Methods for differentiating eosinophils for functional assessment.
Main Results:
- Established methodology for identifying eosinophils in tissues via flow cytometry.
- Developed detailed procedures for isolating eosinophils from bone marrow.
- Provided techniques for preparing eosinophils for functional studies.
Conclusions:
- Simple methods for eosinophil identification, isolation, and functional assessment have been successfully described.
- These techniques are vital for advancing research on eosinophil functions in various physiological and pathological conditions.
