Technologies
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Intravital 2-Photon microscopyTo directly observe T-cell motility and interactions we employ a number of complex imaging techniques. Using intravital Two-photon microscopy, cells can be directly observed and characterized in vivo. As the lymph node is the single most important centre of T-cell activation, I focus on analyzing T-cell interactions in this organ. In addition, I am interested in the factors allowing the travel of T-cell towards and from the lymph node and how this influences the repertoire of specific T-cells generated.
Popliteal lymph node of the mouse demonstrating a B-cell follicle with red and green B-cells close to the capsule (white fibers). Two-Photon microscopy. Zeiss LSM710. |
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Live-cell widefield fluorescence microscopyUsing Live-cell widefield fluorescence microscopy system we are able to visualize APC-T-cell interaction in 2D and 3D compartments in vitro. In addition to characterizing the biophysics of interaction, functional parameters such as calcium flux can be analyzed. Calcium Flux in T-cells following TCR stimuli. Shortly after applying, the ratio of available calcium increases (T-cells loaded with the calcium indicator Fura-2 turn from blue to yellow). |
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Multi-Epitope-Ligand-Cartography (MELC):The MELC-Technology is based on widefield fluorescence microscopy, allows us to visualize the spatial distribution of up to hundred of on fixed cell- or tissue samples with light microscopic resolutions. We have established a library of structural, surface as well as signaling markers to explore the immunological synapse under distinct biological conditions in 2D and 3D. |
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