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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
Published on: June 26, 2018
Multi-parameter immune profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by multiplexed single-cell mass cytometry in
Chotima Böttcher1,2, Camila Fernández-Zapata3,4, Stephan Schlickeiser3,5
1Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany. chotima.boettcher@charite.de.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Studies in rodent models demonstrated an association of CNS-infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages with disease severity. However, little is known about humans. Here, we performed an exploratory analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy controls and drug-naïve patients with early MS using multiplexed single-cell mass cytometry and algorithm-based data analysis. Two antibody panels comprising a total of 64 antibodies were designed to comprehensively analyse diverse immune cell populations, with particular emphasis on monocytes. PBMC composition and marker expression were overall similar between the groups. However, an increased abundance of CCR7+ and IL-6+ T cells was detected in early MS-PBMCs, whereas NFAT1hiT-bethiCD4+ T cells were decreased. Similarly, we detected changes in the subset composition of the CCR7+ and MIPβhi HLA-DR+ lymphocyte compartment. Only mild alterations were detected in monocytes/myeloid cells of patients with early MS, namely a decreased abundance of CD141hiIRF8hiCXCR3+CD68- dendritic cells. Unlike in Crohn's disease, no significant differences were found in the monocyte fraction of patients with early MS compared to healthy controls. This study provides a valuable resource for future studies designed to characterise and target diverse PBMC subsets in MS.
Insights
This study analyzed immune cells in early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While monocytes showed few differences, specific T cell subsets were altered in MS peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease.
- Rodent studies link CNS macrophages to MS severity, but human data is limited.
- Understanding peripheral immune cell changes in early MS is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between healthy controls and drug-naïve early MS patients.
- To characterize immune cell populations, focusing on monocytes, using advanced cytometry.
- To identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets within PBMCs.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory analysis of PBMCs from healthy controls and early MS patients.
- Utilized multiplexed single-cell mass cytometry with 64 antibodies.
- Employed algorithm-based data analysis to assess immune cell composition and marker expression.
Main Results:
- Overall PBMC composition was similar, but early MS patients showed increased CCR7+ and IL-6+ T cells.
- A decrease in NFAT1hiT-bethiCD4+ T cells was observed in early MS.
- Mild alterations in myeloid cells included decreased CD141hiIRF8hiCXCR3+CD68- dendritic cells; monocytes showed no significant differences compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Early MS is associated with specific alterations in T cell subsets within PBMCs.
- Monocyte populations in early MS PBMCs do not significantly differ from healthy controls.
- This research provides a foundation for further investigation into PBMC subsets in MS.
