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Analysis of MicroRNA and Protein Transfer by Exosomes During an Immune Synapse

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Circulating MicroRNAs

Abstract

Immune cells release microRNA-containing exosomes that can be taken up by recipient cells. Exosomes can thus act as mediators of cell–cell communication through direct exchange of genetic material between cells. Exosome-mediated transfer of miRNAs between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) can take place over long distances. Our work has shown that this transfer is enhanced by the formation of a functional immune synapse. Here we give a detailed description of the isolation of exosomes produced by immune cells by ultracentrifugation, their quantification by flow cytometry, and the analysis of miRNA and protein exchange between T cells and APCs, both at a distance and after the formation of an immune synapse.

Carolina Villarroya-Beltri and Cristina Gutiérrez-Vázquez contributed equally to this work.

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Villarroya-Beltri, C., Gutiérrez-Vázquez, C., Sánchez-Madrid, F., Mittelbrunn, M. (2013). Analysis of MicroRNA and Protein Transfer by Exosomes During an Immune Synapse. In: Kosaka, N. (eds) Circulating MicroRNAs. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1024. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-453-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-453-1_4

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-452-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-453-1

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