A novel multicolor immunostaining method using ethynyl deoxyuridine for analysis of in situ immunoproliferative response

Histochem Cell Biol. 2015 Sep;144(3):195-208. doi: 10.1007/s00418-015-1329-z. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

Immune responses are generally accompanied by antigen presentation and proliferation and differentiation of antigen-specific lymphocytes (immunoproliferation), but analysis of these events in situ on tissue sections is very difficult. We have developed a new method of simultaneous multicolor immunofluorescence staining for immunohistology and flow cytometry using a thymidine analogue, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). Because of the small size of azide dye using click chemistry and elimination of DNA denaturation steps, EdU staining allowed for immunofluorescence staining of at least four colors including two different markers on a single-cell surface, which is impossible with the standard 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine method. By using two rat models, successfully detected parameters were the cluster of differentiation antigens including phenotypic and functional markers of various immune cells, histocompatibility complex antigens, and even some nuclear transcription factors. Proliferating cells could be further sorted and used for RT-PCR analysis. This method thus enables functional in situ time-kinetic analysis of immunoproliferative responses in a distinct domain of the lymphoid organs, which are quantitatively confirmed by flow cytometry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimetabolites / pharmacology*
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / pharmacology
  • CD28 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Deoxyuridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Deoxyuridine / pharmacology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunity, Cellular / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex / immunology
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Lew
  • S Phase / drug effects
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Antimetabolites
  • CD28 Antigens
  • Transcription Factors
  • Bromodeoxyuridine
  • 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine
  • Deoxyuridine