Imaging technique reveals the metabolic states of individual immune cells
When a patient is facing certain cancers or an immune condition, clinicians turn to white blood cells for clues about the progression of both diseases and their treatments. From a standard blood draw, a clinical lab isolates peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are predominantly immune cells, and then counts the abundance of different cell types, along with some basic measures of how…
A new imaging technique developed by researchers at the Morgridge Institute for Research could revolutionize the way clinicians understand the metabolic states of individual immune cells. By using a nondestructive analysis method called optical metabolic imaging (OMI), the team has been able to accurately observe the metabolic state of single immune cells within a complex peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) sample for the first time.
OMI works by directing two long-wavelength photons at a sample, exciting the inherent fluorescence of cell metabolism products and enabling researchers to determine whether the cells are metabolically active or quiescent. In a study published in Biophotonics Discovery, the researchers achieved 93% accuracy in determining the metabolic state of PBMCs only two hours after stimulating them.
The ability to observe immune cell metabolism in such detail without damaging the cells provides several benefits. First, it allows for more nuanced and comprehensive insights into the behavior of immune cells beyond simple cell counts. This can help improve diagnosis and treatment of immune system-related conditions such as blood cancers, lupus, sepsis, and cognitive decline.
Additionally, understanding the metabolic states of engineered immune cells, like those used in CAR T cell therapies, could lead to better outcomes for patients receiving these treatments.
The OMI technique is also valuable for preserving samples for downstream applications, as it does not require the use of chemical labels or other reagents that can harm the cells. This makes it a suitable option for monitoring single-cell behavior over time. The researchers hope to collaborate with clinical partners to develop applications for this technology and make it more widely available to hospitals and research labs.
Innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes, are often the most metabolically distinct, likely due to their ability to respond quickly to threats and ramp up activity. In contrast, adaptive immune cells like T and B cells activate more slowly and require sustained energy over longer periods. Understanding these differences in metabolism can provide valuable insights into the behavior of immune cells in various conditions, particularly those related to chronic inflammation.
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