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Updated: May 22, 2026

In vitro Quantitative Imaging Assay for Phagocytosis of Dead Neuroblastoma Cells by iPSC-Macrophages
Published on: February 14, 2021
Protocol for assessing anti-Siglec-9 antibody-mediated tumor phagocytosis by macrophages using pH-sensitive dyes and
Saitong Muneekaew1, Thunchanok Nuchphongsai1, Pasut Sasithong1
1Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
Abstract:
Here, we present a protocol to assess and quantify macrophage-mediated cancer cell phagocytosis using pH-sensitive dyes and flow cytometry. We describe steps for isolating and sorting CD14+ monocytes from leukocyte reduction system (LRS) cones, differentiating monocyte-derived macrophages, and preparing K562 leukemic cells for co-culture. We then detail procedures for quantifying phagocytic activity using flow cytometry and pH-sensitive dyes and visualizing internalized K562 cells using a fluorescence microscope. This technique enables the study of macrophage phagocytic function and supports application in cancer immunotherapy research. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Muneekaew et al.1.

