Abstract
Within the adaptive and innate immune system, effector lymphocytes known as cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) or natural killer (NK) cells play an essential role in host defense against tumor cells and virally infected cells. Here we describe a flow cytometry–based method to quantify CTLs or NK cell cytotoxic activity against melanoma cells. In this assay, spleen cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), or purified NK cell preparations are co-incubated at different ratios with a target tumor cell line. The target cells are pre-labeled with a fluorescent dye to allow their discrimination from the effector cells. After the incubation period, killed target cells are identified by a nucleic acid stain, which specifically permeates dead cells. This method is amenable to both diagnostic and research applications.
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Shi, G., Heller, R. (2021). Determination of Cytotoxic Activities Against Melanoma Cells Using Flow Cytometry. In: Hargadon, K.M. (eds) Melanoma. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2265. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1205-7_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-1205-7_8
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Publisher Name: Humana, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-0716-1204-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-0716-1205-7
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