Lunch Plenary

Date: 23 Sep 2023, Saturday | Time: 1245 - 1320 | Track Type: Plenary | Venue: The NAK Auditorium, Academia 

TOPIC 1:

Suspension Mass Cytometry and Imaging Mass Cytometry, an Effective Tool for High Dimensional Translational Research

Mass cytometry, which uses CyTOF® technology, utilizes antibodies tagged with monoisotopic metals instead of fluorophores, hence circumventing the limitations from spectral overlap and autofluorescence. Some key benefits of using mass cytometry include

1. Simple and rapid panel design
2. Reliable and reproducible data for longitudinal studies and multi-site studies.
3. High-plex analysis without data compromise. 

There are 2 modes in mass cytometry;

1. Suspension mass flow cytometry allows for deep characterization of suspension cells 
2. Imaging mass cytometry allows for spatial context analysis with subcellular resolution 

Here, we will discuss how both modes could be utilized as an effective tool for high dimensional translational research.

 Speaker: Dr Teh Boon Eng

TOPIC 2:

Creating New Opportunities in Mass Cytometry

Mass cytometry is revolutionizing the flow cytometry field towards the theoretical limit of 100 measurements. Presently, it is a well-established technology for performing up to 50 parameters. Previously, with 40-parameter suspension mass cytometry, we could comprehensively identify immune signatures associated with COVID-19 severity and possible long COVID-19. In that study, we found enrichment of low-density neutrophils and hyperactivated CD8+ T cells to be immune abnormalities among convalescent severe COVID-19 individuals. Today, to increase the assortment of available labels, the mass cytometry service platform is reintroducing our proprietary major histocompatibility complex class I molecule to facilitate clinical and longitudinal studies of antigen specific CD8+ T cells. To address T cell receptor diversity, we have developed the MHC-I fragmentation technology to redesign MHC-I peptide libraries to de-risk large-scale T cell receptor fishing. Next, to broaden the horizons of glycoimmunology, combined with protein bioengineering, we employ imaging mass cytometry to address unmet biological questions such as the status of sialylation of a "challenged" tumor microenvironment. There are definitely many opportunities for high-parameter mass cytometry for blood and tissues. Interested users can receive consultation and technical support through our mass cytometry service platform to uncover the rich diversity of the immune system.

 Speaker: Dr Lim Jackwee

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