Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Characterization of Immune Cells in Human Adipose Tissue by Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 6, 2018
Protocol to examine murine visceral adipose tissue immune cells using fluorescence-based flow cytometry
Anna Carey1, Christina D Camell1
1Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Insights
This study details a protocol for analyzing immune cells within mouse adipose tissue. It provides methods for isolating, characterizing, and sorting these cells using flow cytometry for better immune response research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolic research
- Cell biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue harbors diverse immune cells that influence metabolism and immune responses.
- Understanding adipose tissue immune cell dynamics is crucial for metabolic and inflammatory disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed protocol for the assessment and characterization of murine adipose tissue immune cells.
- To enable the isolation and sorting of pure immune cell populations from adipose tissue.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the stromal vascular fraction from murine adipose tissue.
- Antibody staining for multicolor fluorescence-based flow cytometry.
- Flow cytometry for data acquisition and cell population analysis.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive protocol for analyzing adipose tissue immune cells is established.
- The protocol allows for the characterization of heterogeneous immune cell populations.
- Pure immune cell populations can be obtained via fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
Conclusions:
- This protocol provides a reproducible method for studying adipose tissue immune cells.
- Accurate characterization of these cells aids in understanding their role in metabolic health and disease.
- The described flow cytometry approach facilitates in-depth immune cell analysis.
Abstract:
Adipose tissue immune cells are heterogeneous and dynamic, alter metabolism, and drive immune responses. Here, we present a protocol for assessment and characterization of murine adipose tissue immune cells using fluorescence-based flow cytometry and sorting into pure populations. We describe steps for isolation of the stromovascular fraction, antibody staining, and data collection by flow cytometry. We also discuss common issues and troubleshooting steps. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Carey et al.1.
