Protocol to visualize CD11c⁺ cells in atherosclerosis using LacZ reporter mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis involves complex immune cell infiltration within plaques.
• Visualizing specific immune cell populations, like CD11c+ cells, is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
• Existing methods for plaque analysis can be limiting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel in vivo approach for visualizing CD11c+ cells in atherosclerotic plaques.
• To offer an alternative method for analyzing plaque composition and cell-specific molecules during atherogenesis.
• To facilitate the examination of diverse immune cells involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized X-Gal staining protocol on immune cells within atherosclerotic plaques.
• Employed genetically modified mice: LacZ knockin mice bred with CD11c-cre recombinase mice on an ApoE-/- background.
• Visualized CD11c+ cells in plaques using the described staining and genetic model.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized CD11c+ cells in vivo within atherosclerotic plaques.
• Demonstrated the utility of X-Gal staining as an alternative method for plaque analysis.
• Established a model for examining various immune cells in the context of atherogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The described in vivo X-Gal staining approach provides a valuable tool for studying CD11c+ cells in atherosclerosis.
• This method enhances the analysis of plaque composition and immune cell function in atherogenesis.
• The protocol enables detailed examination of different immune cell populations contributing to atherosclerosis development.