Multiplex MHC class I tetramer combined with intranuclear staining by mass cytometry

Abstract

Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in the host protective immune response against viruses, tumors, and other diseases. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers allow for a direct detection of such antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Using mass cytometry together with multiplex MHC class I tetramer staining, we are able to screen more than 1000 different antigen candidates simultaneously across tissues in health and disease, while retaining the possibility to deliver an in-depth characterization of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and associated phenotypes. Here we describe the method for a MHC class I tetramer multiplexing approach together with intracellular antibody staining for a parallel phenotypic cell characterization using mass cytometry in human specimens.