Analyzing the Tumor Microenvironment by Flow Cytometry

Abstract

Flow cytometry is an essential tool for studying the tumor microenvironment. It allows us to quickly quantify and identify multiple cell types in a heterogeneous sample. A brief overview of flow cytometry instrumentation and the appropriate considerations and steps in building a good flow cytometry staining panel are discussed. In addition, a lymphoid tissue and solid tumor leukocyte infiltrate flow cytometry staining protocol and an example of flow cytometry data analysis are presented.

Keywords: Compensation; Flow cytometry (FCM); Fluorescence minus one (FMO); Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS); Immune cell infiltrate; Intracellular staining; Isotype control; Multi-parameter; Solid tumor; Spillover; Staining panel; Tumor microenvironment.