A Paired Flow Cytometry-Pathology Assessment for Immune Cell Detection in Intestinal Biopsies: Proof of Principle

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Accurate immune cell quantification is crucial for research and clinical applications.
• Flow cytometry (FC) offers single-cell resolution, while pathology provides spatial context.
• Current methods analyze immune cells separately, limiting comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an integrated workflow combining FC and pathology for immune cell quantification.
• To assess immune cell populations within the same colon biopsy specimen.
• To improve diagnostic accuracy through cross-validation of methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Colon biopsy samples were divided for FC and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pathology analysis.
• FC characterized CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells.
• Pathology utilized H&E staining for eosinophils and IHC for CD4 and CD8.

Main Results:

• A pilot study of 10 samples demonstrated high concordance between FC and pathology results.
• The integrated approach allowed for cross-validation of immune cell quantification.
• Feasibility of combining FC and pathology on limited intestinal biopsy material was shown.

Conclusions:

• An integrated workflow combining FC and pathology is feasible for immune cell quantification in colon biopsies.
• This method enables comprehensive assessment of immune cell populations.
• The approach holds potential for improved diagnostic accuracy in immunological studies.