Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Immune Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid Predict Response to Immunotherapy

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Mar 2021
Immune checkpoint inhibitors including anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, and anti-CTLA4, have shown significant clinical benefits in patients with progressive or metastatic solid tumors, including some brain metastasis. More...
Notably, these immune-based therapies have improved outcomes for some of those suffering from lung cancer and melanoma.

Some patients with brain metastasis benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and the degree and phenotype of the immune cell infiltration has been used to predict response to ICI. However, the anatomical location of brain lesions limits access to tumor material to characterize the immune phenotype. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can provide fundamental information about the genomic characteristics of brain tumors and hence be used as a relatively non-invasive liquid biopsy.

A large team of Oncologists and their colleagues at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain) analyzed samples from 48 patients with brain metastasis. The scientists assessed the immune cells present in the brain metastases, and in parallel, performed immune cell profiling of the CSF. They sought to identify which cell types were present in the CSF and compare them with those obtained from the metastatic lesions. A total of ten CSF samples were analyzed.

The team loaded samples into the 10× Genomics Chromium Controller for droplet-encapsulation (Pleasanton, CA, USA). Single-cell gene expression and T cell receptor T clonotypes (TCR) were produced using the Chromium Single-Cell 5′ Library, and sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Immune cell populations were determined after processing by flow cytometry using BD FACSCELESTA (immune cell characterization panel) or BD LSRFortessa cell analyzer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Other methods used by the team included Immunohistochemistry, Targeted RNA profiling, and Whole exome sequencing.

The team reported that tumor immune infiltration and specifically CD8+ T cell infiltration can be discerned through the analysis of the CSF. Consistently, identical T cell receptor clonotypes were detected in brain lesions and CSF, confirming cell exchange between these compartments. The analysis of immune cells of the CSF can provide a non-invasive alternative to predict the response to ICI, as well as identify the T cell receptor clonotypes present in brain metastasis.

Holger Heyn, PhD, a Genomic Scientist and co-corresponding author of the study, said, “Single cell transcriptome sequencing provides the highest resolution for the detection and monitoring of several different diseases. The identification of clonal T-cells in both metastasis and liquid biopsy is of particular interest. We have shown that the sequencing of T-cell receptors provides a cellular barcode that can be assessed outside of the tumor. Importantly, this approach opens up new avenues for the detection of systemic disease.” The study was published on March 8, 2021 in the journal Nature Communications.

Related Links:
Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
10× Genomics
Illumina
BD Biosciences



New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Silver Member
Autoimmune Hepatitis Test
LKM-1-Ab ELISA
New
PlGF Test
Quidel Triage PlGF Test
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.