Mass Cytometry by Time-of-Flight (CyTOF)

Mass cytometry by time-of-flight, or CyTOF, is a single-cell proteomics technology capable of interrogation of more than 40 markers simultaneously in a liquid suspension. This technology empowers researchers to look deeper, unveiling new cell types and their functions. 

Flowchart illustrating processes for blood sample analysis: blood collection in a 10mL NaHeparin tube, PBMC isolation, then either fresh staining with flow cytometry or fixing, freezing, and storing.

This high-resolution approach allows for prospective and retrospective, highly standardized and reproducible analysis of clinical samples (peripheral blood or tissue suspension):

  • Immune cell activation and inhibition state

  • Intra- and interpatient analyses

  • Predictive biomarkers for treatment stratification

  • Identification of response vs resistance to treatment

  • On treatment changes reflective of therapeutic engagement

Methodology: 

Helios™, a high-performance mass cytometer, is a state of-the-art instrument representing the greatest advances in mass cytometry and is designed to provide a new tool for bioanalytical single-cell detection and analysis. The Helios system analyzes individual cells labeled with stable heavy metal isotopes with negligible overlap which allows for unparalleled ability to generate high-resolution phenotypic and functional profiles of cells from normal and diseased states. Our CyTOF panels utilize the MaxPar Direct Assay which is designed and optimized for deep profiling of human blood. The use of the core assay with customizable additions is easily scalable, highly reproducible and validated across multiple patient cohorts and disease states.

Available panels:

  1. MaxPar: 30 markers allow for single cell resolution of 37 immunophenotypes

  2. MaxPar Plus: custom panel incorporates functional markers (activation, proliferation, check points) on the MaxPar backbone.

Diagram comparing MaxPar and MaxPar Plus, with MaxPar on the left showing a test tube with a sample, MaxPar list of CD markers in the middle, and MaxPar Plus list of additional markers on the right.

*CUSTOM PANELS and VALIDATION AVAILABLE

 Specimen Requirements:

The CyTOF analysis is compatible with whole blood samples collected in NaHep tubes or processed frozen PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells).

 Data visualization and interpretation examples

1. Immunophenotyping Analysis

Diagram showing different types of human immune cells including lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, granulocytes, and natural killer cells, with subcategories like T cells, B cells, and NK cells.
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