Technologies Used in the Laboratory

This cutting-edge and fully automated analyzer is designed for high throughput, yet extremely precise scanning and analysis of data generated in enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and fluorescence-based spot (FLUOROSPOT) assays. These techniques enable ultrasensitive detection of rare immune cell populations (e.g., antigen-specific B or T lymphocytes) based on antibodies, cytokines or other effector molecules they secrete. The Analyzer’s multiple revolving filters permit automated switching between several wavelengths. One filter is reserved for conventional ELISPOT assays and the others can detect different colors of fluorescence. The “autocentering” feature of the Analyzer allows our lab members to define safety margins of microplate wells and capture 100% of the well bottom surface readily and accurately. The visualization and counting of single fluorescent cells are achieved by the high resolution optics and digital color camera of the Analyzer. 

Cytotoxic lymphocytes, namely CD8⁺ T cells, NK cells and NKT cells, use multiple mechanisms and pathways to destroy their targets such as virus-infected cells and tumor cells. Our laboratory studies their cytotoxic effector function and lytic mediators and mechanisms. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity is measured by various methods including the traditional but still powerful ⁵¹Cr release assays. In these assays, target cells are labeled with ⁵¹Cr before they are co-incubated with killer cells. Cytotoxicity is then measured by quantification of the ⁵¹Cr activity of culture supernatant samples using a γ counter. Scientists in the Haeryfar lab receive ample training and become fully certified before they can work with radioisotopes such as ⁵¹Cr.