Abstract 2783: Fast and accurate spatial phenotyping and immuno-profiling using Ultivue UltiMapper kits and Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1 slide scanner
Authors: Gourab Chatterjee, Michael Murphy, Markus Neumann, Volker Doering, Mael Manesse
Journal: Cancer Research (2021)

Abstract Understanding the complexities of the tumor micro-environment in detail can vastly improve the accuracy of immuno-oncology research and accelerate the discovery of potential immunotherapy targets. Multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) assays have emerged as a critical approach for identifying complex cellular phenotypes in the tumor micro-environment, powered by the value of the spatial correlation of such phenotypes in a tissue specimen. Although many methods for multiplexed IF exist, they are often costly and require time-consuming assay development and long imaging times. The Ultivue UltiMapper kits enable rapid, pre-optimized staining of multiple targets simultaneously in a single FFPE tissue section. This technology is ready-to-use with conventional automated staining workflows and commercially available automated imaging systems. Here, we demonstrate the potential of accurate cellular phenotyping using the InSituPlex technology with fast whole-slide scanning using ZEISS Axioscan.Z1 an automated slide scanning system for fluorescence and transmitted light applications with modern cameras, a sophisticated focusing method and a powerful imaging software. The compounded effect of integrating these technologies can significantly improve the throughput of immuno-oncology research. A 4-target immunostaining assay was performed on multiple FFPE tumor sections using UltiMapper reagents. Briefly, slides were stained with a cocktail of primary antibodies using a Leica Biosystems BOND RX autostainer. Post-staining, the slides were coverslipped and imaged on ZEISS Axioscan.Z1. The resulting images were analyzed using IndicaLabs HALO analysis software. In this poster, we report on an efficient and streamlined workflow for mIF staining, imaging, and analysis of tumor samples. After nuclear segmentation of the resulting images, T-cell and macrophage populations were subtyped and identified through spatial identification of relevant biomarkers. The combined workflow presented here allows a user to get 4-plex, whole slide immunofluorescence images of FFPE tumor tissues within 6 hours. The automated whole slide scanning capability of ZEISS Axioscan.Z1 also allows a user to image up to 100 slides with minimal external input. The combination of optimized, fast staining UltiMapper reagents with ZEISS Axioscan.Z1 automated whole-slide fluorescence scanner enables rapid, deep immunoprofiling within the spatial context of the tumor, empowering translational and immuno-oncology research. Citation Format: Gourab Chatterjee, Michael Murphy, Markus Neumann, Volker Doering, Mael Manesse. Fast and accurate spatial phenotyping and immuno-profiling using Ultivue UltiMapper kits and Zeiss Axio Scan.Z1 slide scanner [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2783.