Scrutinizing calcium flux oscillations in T lymphocytes to deduce the strength of stimulus

Discrete protein condensation events govern calcium signal dynamics in T cells

Calcium level variations, which occur downstream of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, are an essential aspect of T cell antigen recognition. Although coordinated ion channel activities are known to drive calcium oscillations in other cell types, observations of nonperiodic and heterogeneous calcium patterns in T cells are inconsistent with this mechanism. Here, we track the complete ensemble of individual molecular peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) binding events to TCR, while simultaneously imaging LAT condensation events and calcium level. Individual LAT condensates induce a rapid and additive calcium response, which quickly attenuates upon condensate dissolution. No evidence of cooperativity between LAT condensates or oscillatory calcium response was detected. These results reveal stochastic LAT protein condensation events as a primary driver of calcium signal dynamics in T cells.

One-Sentence Summary

Ca 2+ fluctuations in T cells reflect stochastic protein condensation events triggered by single molecular antigen-TCR binding.

Zinc Ionophore Pyrithione Mimics CD28 Costimulatory Signal in CD3 Activated T Cells

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in T cell immunity. During T cell activation, zinc is not only structurally important, but zinc signals can also act as a second messenger. This research investigates zinc signals in T cell activation and their function in T helper cell 1 differentiation. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated via the T cell receptor-CD3 complex, and via CD28 as a costimulatory signal. Fast and long-term changes in intracellular zinc and calcium were monitored by flow cytometry. Further, interferon (IFN)-γ was analyzed to investigate the differentiation into T helper 1 cells. We show that fast zinc fluxes are induced via CD3. Also, the intracellular zinc concentration dramatically increases 72 h after anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation, which goes along with the high release of IFN-γ. Interestingly, we found that zinc signals can function as a costimulatory signal for T helper cell 1 differentiation when T cells are activated only via CD3. These results demonstrate the importance of zinc signaling alongside calcium signaling in T cell differentiation.

Influence of different conjugation methods for activating antibodies on polymeric nanoparticles: Effects for polyclonal expansion of human CD8+ T cells

Particle-based systems have become a state-of-the-art method for in vitro expanding cytotoxic T cells by tailoring their surface with activating molecules. However, commonly used methods utilize facile carbodiimide chemistry leading to uncontrolled orientation of the immobilized antibodies on the particle surface that can lead to poor binding to target cells. To address this, selective coupling strategies utilizing regioselective chemical groups such as disulfide bridges offer a simple approach. In this work we present a set of methods to investigate the effect of polymeric nanoparticles, conjugated with either regioselective- or randomly-immobilized antiCD3 and antiCD28 antibodies, on the activation potential, expansion and expression of activation markers in T cells. We show that nanoparticles with well-oriented monovalent antibodies conjugated via maleimide require fewer ligands on the surface to efficiently expand T cells compared to bivalent antibodies randomly-immobilized via carbodiimide conjugation. Analysis of the T cell expression markers reveal that the T cell phenotype can be fine-tuned by adjusting the surface density of well-oriented antibodies, while randomly immobilized antibodies showed no differences despite their ligand density. Both conjugation techniques induced cytotoxic T cells, evidenced by analyzing their Granzyme B secretion. Furthermore, antibody orientation affects the immunological synapse and T cell activation by changing the calcium influx profile upon activation. Nanoparticles with well-oriented antibodies showed lower calcium influx compared to their bivalent randomly-immobilized counterparts. These results highlight the importance of controlling the antibody density and orientation on the nanoparticle surface via controlled coupling chemistries, helping to develop improved particle-based expansion protocols to enhance T cell therapies.

Machine learning predictions of T cell antigen specificity from intracellular calcium dynamics

Adoptive T cell therapies rely on the production of T cells with an antigen receptor that directs their specificity toward tumor-specific antigens. Methods for identifying relevant T cell receptor (TCR) sequences, predominantly achieved through the enrichment of antigen-specific T cells, represent a major bottleneck in the production of TCR-engineered cell therapies. Fluctuation of intracellular calcium is a proximal readout of TCR signaling and candidate marker for antigen-specific T cell identification that does not require T cell expansion; however, calcium fluctuations downstream of TCR engagement are highly variable. We propose that machine learning algorithms may allow for T cell classification from complex datasets such as polyclonal T cell signaling events. Using deep learning tools, we demonstrate accurate prediction of TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cell activation based on calcium fluctuations and test the algorithm against T cells bearing a distinct TCR as well as polyclonal T cells. This provides the foundation for an antigen-specific TCR sequence identification pipeline for adoptive T cell therapies.

A multiple-oscillator mechanism underlies antigen-induced Ca2+ oscillations in Jurkat T-cells

T-cell receptor stimulation triggers cytosolic Ca2+ signaling by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels gated by ER-located stromal-interacting molecules (STIM1/2). Physiologically, cytosolic Ca2+ signaling manifests as regenerative Ca2+ oscillations, which are critical for nuclear factor of activated T-cells-mediated transcription. In most cells, Ca2+ oscillations are thought to originate from IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release, with CRAC channels indirectly sustaining them through ER refilling. Here, experimental and computational evidence support a multiple-oscillator mechanism in Jurkat T-cells whereby both IP3 receptor and CRAC channel activities oscillate and directly fuel antigen-evoked Ca2+ oscillations, with the CRAC channel being the major contributor. KO of either STIM1 or STIM2 significantly reduces CRAC channel activity. As such, STIM1 and STIM2 synergize for optimal Ca2+ oscillations and activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 and are essential for ER refilling. The loss of both STIM proteins abrogates CRAC channel activity, drastically reduces ER Ca2+ content, severely hampers cell proliferation and enhances cell death. These results clarify the mechanism and the contribution of STIM proteins to Ca2+ oscillations in T-cells.

Flow Cytometry: The Next Revolution

Unmasking the subtleties of the immune system requires both a comprehensive knowledge base and the ability to interrogate that system with intimate sensitivity. That task, to a considerable extent, has been handled by an iterative expansion in flow cytometry methods, both in technological capability and also in accompanying advances in informatics. As the field of fluorescence-based cytomics matured, it reached a technological barrier at around 30 parameter analyses, which stalled the field until spectral flow cytometry created a fundamental transformation that will likely lead to the potential of 100 simultaneous parameter analyses within a few years. The simultaneous advance in informatics has now become a watershed moment for the field as it competes with mature systematic approaches such as genomics and proteomics, allowing cytomics to take a seat at the multi-omics table. In addition, recent technological advances try to combine the speed of flow systems with other detection methods, in addition to fluorescence alone, which will make flow-based instruments even more indispensable in any biological laboratory. This paper outlines current approaches in cell analysis and detection methods, discusses traditional and microfluidic sorting approaches as well as next-generation instruments, and provides an early look at future opportunities that are likely to arise.

Too much of a good thing: The case of SOCE in cellular apoptosis

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is an essential second messenger in eukaryotic cells regulating numerous cellular functions such as contraction, secretion, immunity, growth, and metabolism. Ca2+ signaling is also a key signal transducer in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway (SOCE) is ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells, and is the primary Ca2+ influx pathway in non-excitable cells. SOCE is mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensing STIM proteins, and the plasma membrane Ca2+-selective Orai channels. A growing number of studies have implicated SOCE in regulating cell death primarily via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in a variety of tissues and in response to physiological stressors such as traumatic brain injury, ischemia reperfusion injury, sepsis, and alcohol toxicity. Notably, the literature points to excessive cytosolic Ca2+ influx through SOCE in vulnerable cells as a key factor tipping the balance towards cellular apoptosis. While the literature primarily addresses the functions of STIM1 and Orai1, STIM2, Orai2 and Orai3 are also emerging as potential regulators of cell death. Here, we review the functions of STIM and Orai proteins in regulating cell death and the implications of this regulation to human pathologies.

Inhibiting ACK1-mediated phosphorylation of C-terminal Src kinase counteracts prostate cancer immune checkpoint blockade resistance

Solid tumours are highly refractory to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies due to the functional impairment of effector T cells and their inefficient trafficking to tumours. T-cell activation is negatively regulated by C-terminal Src kinase (CSK); however, the exact mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that the conserved oncogenic tyrosine kinase Activated CDC42 kinase 1 (ACK1) is able to phosphorylate CSK at Tyrosine 18 (pY18), which enhances CSK function, constraining T-cell activation. Mice deficient in the Tnk2 gene encoding Ack1, are characterized by diminished CSK Y18-phosphorylation and spontaneous activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, resulting in inhibited growth of transplanted ICB-resistant tumours. Furthermore, ICB treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients results in re-activation of ACK1/pY18-CSK signalling, confirming the involvement of this pathway in ICB insensitivity. An ACK1 small-molecule inhibitor, (R)-9b, recapitulates inhibition of ICB-resistant tumours, which provides evidence for ACK1 enzymatic activity playing a pivotal role in generating ICB resistance. Overall, our study identifies an important mechanism of ICB resistance and holds potential for expanding the scope of ICB therapy to tumours that are currently unresponsive.

A bead-based method for high-throughput mapping of the sequence- and force-dependence of T cell activation

Adaptive immunity relies on T lymphocytes that use αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) to discriminate among peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCs). Identifying pMHCs capable of inducing robust T cell responses will not only enable a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing immune responses but could also have broad applications in diagnosis and treatment. T cell recognition of sparse antigenic pMHCs in vivo relies on biomechanical forces. However, in vitro screening methods test potential pMHCs without force and often at high (nonphysiological) pMHC densities and thus fail to predict potent agonists in vivo. Here, we present a technology termed BATTLES (biomechanically assisted T cell triggering for large-scale exogenous-pMHC screening) that uses biomechanical force to initiate T cell triggering for peptides and cells in parallel. BATTLES displays candidate pMHCs on spectrally encoded beads composed of a thermo-responsive polymer capable of applying shear loads to T cells, facilitating exploration of the force- and sequence-dependent landscape of T cell responses. BATTLES can be used to explore basic T cell mechanobiology and T cell-based immunotherapies.

Targeting protein–protein interaction for immunomodulation: A sunflower trypsin inhibitor analog peptidomimetic suppresses RA progression in CIA model

Protein–protein interactions (PPI) of co-stimulatory molecules CD2-CD58 are important in the early stage of an immune response, and increased expression of these co-stimulatory molecules is observed in the synovial region of joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A CD2 epitope region that binds to CD58 was grafted on to sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI) template structure to inhibit CD2-CD58 PPI. The peptide was incorporated with an organic moiety dibenzofuran (DBF) in its structure. The designed peptidomimetic was studied for its ability to inhibit CD2-CD58 interactions in vitro, and its thermal and enzymatic stability was evaluated. Stability studies indicated that the grafted peptidomimetic was stable against trypsin cleavage. In vivo studies using the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice indicated that the peptidomimetic was able to slow down the progress of arthritis, an autoimmune disease in the mice model. These studies suggest that with the grafting of organic functional groups in the stable peptide template SFTI stabilizes the peptide structure, and these peptides can be used as a template to design stable peptides for therapeutic purposes.

Plasma MicroRNA Signature Panel Predicts the Immune Response After Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Patients

Background

Approximately 10–40% of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are unable to obtain successful improvements in immune function after antiretroviral therapy (ART). These patients are at greater risk of developing non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related conditions, with the accompanying increased morbidity and mortality. Discovering predictive biomarkers can help to identify patients with a poor immune response earlier and provide new insights into the mechanisms of this condition.

Methods

A total of 307 people with HIV were enrolled, including 110 immune non-responders (INRs) and 197 immune responders (IRs). Plasma samples were taken before ART, and quantities of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) were determined using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Candidate biomarkers were established through four phases: discovery, training, validation, and blinded test. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the combined predictive capacity of the identified miRNAs. The effect of one miRNA, miR-16-5p, on T cell function was assessed in vitro.

Results

Expression of five miRNAs (miR-580, miR-627, miR-138-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-323-3p) was upregulated in the plasma of INRs compared with that in IRs. Expression of these miRNAs was negatively correlated with both CD4⁺ T cell counts and the increase in the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells after one year of ART. These five miRNAs were combined in a predictive model, which could effectively identify INRs or IRs. Furthermore, we found that miR-16-5p inhibits CD4⁺ T cell proliferation by regulating calcium flux.

Conclusion

We established a five-miRNA panel in plasma that accurately predicts poor immune response after ART, which could inform strategies to reduce the incidence of this phenomenon and improve the clinical management of these patients.

Staggered starts in the race to T cell activation

How T lymphocytes tune their responses to different strengths of stimulation is a fundamental question in immunology. Recent work using new optogenetic, single-cell genomic, and live-imaging approaches has revealed that stimulation strength controls the rate of individual cell responses within a population. Moreover, these responses have been found to use shared molecular programs, regardless of stimulation strength. However, additional data indicate that stimulation duration or cytokine feedback can impact later gene expression phenotypes of activated cells. In-depth molecular studies have suggested mechanisms by which stimulation strength might modulate the probability of T cell activation. This emerging model allows activating T cells to achieve a wide range of population responses through probabilistic control within individual cells.

Signal strength controls the rate of polarization within CTLs during killing

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are key effector cells in the immune response against viruses and cancers, killing targets with high precision. Target cell recognition by CTL triggers rapid polarization of intracellular organelles toward the synapse formed with the target cell, delivering cytolytic granules to the immune synapse. Single amino acid changes within peptides binding MHC class I (pMHCs) are sufficient to modulate the degree of killing, but exactly how this impacts the choreography of centrosome polarization and granule delivery to the target cell remains poorly characterized. Here we use 4D imaging and find that the pathways orchestrating killing within CTL are conserved irrespective of the signal strength. However, the rate of initiation along these pathways varies with signal strength. We find that increased strength of signal leads to an increased proportion of CTLs with prolonged dwell times, initial Ca²⁺ fluxes, centrosome docking, and granule polarization. Hence, TCR signal strength modulates the rate but not organization of effector CTL responses.

Optimizing Calcium Detection Methods in Animal Systems: A Sandbox for Synthetic Biology

Since the 1970s, the emergence and expansion of novel methods for calcium ion (Ca2+) detection have found diverse applications in vitro and in vivo across a series of model animal systems. Matched with advances in fluorescence imaging techniques, the improvements in the functional range and stability of various calcium indicators have significantly enhanced more accurate study of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and its effects on cell signaling, growth, differentiation, and regulation. Nonetheless, the current limitations broadly presented by organic calcium dyes, genetically encoded calcium indicators, and calcium-responsive nanoparticles suggest a potential path toward more rapid optimization by taking advantage of a synthetic biology approach. This engineering-oriented discipline applies principles of modularity and standardization to redesign and interrogate endogenous biological systems. This review will elucidate how novel synthetic biology technologies constructed for eukaryotic systems can offer a promising toolkit for interfacing with calcium signaling and overcoming barriers in order to accelerate the process of Ca2+ detection optimization.

Perspective on Plasma Polymers for Applied Biomaterials Nanoengineering and the Recent Rise of Oxazolines

Plasma polymers are unconventional organic thin films which only partially share the properties traditionally attributed to polymeric materials. For instance, they do not consist of repeating monomer units but rather present a highly crosslinked structure resembling the chemistry of the precursor used for deposition. Due to the complex nature of the deposition process, plasma polymers have historically been produced with little control over the chemistry of the plasma phase which is still poorly understood. Yet, plasma polymer research is thriving, in par with the commercialisation of innumerable products using this technology, in fields ranging from biomedical to green energy industries. Here, we briefly summarise the principles at the basis of plasma deposition and highlight recent progress made in understanding the unique chemistry and reactivity of these films. We then demonstrate how carefully designed plasma polymer films can serve the purpose of fundamental research and biomedical applications. We finish the review with a focus on a relatively new class of plasma polymers which are derived from oxazoline-based precursors. This type of coating has attracted significant attention recently due to its unique properties.

A correlative and quantitative imaging approach enabling characterization of primary cell-cell communication: Case of human CD4+ T cell-macrophage immunological synapses

Cell-to-cell communication engages signaling and spatiotemporal reorganization events driven by highly context-dependent and dynamic intercellular interactions, which are difficult to capture within heterogeneous primary cell cultures. Here, we present a straightforward correlative imaging approach utilizing commonly available instrumentation to sample large numbers of cell-cell interaction events, allowing qualitative and quantitative characterization of rare functioning cell-conjugates based on calcium signals. We applied this approach to examine a previously uncharacterized immunological synapse, investigating autologous human blood CD4+ T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) forming functional conjugates in vitro. Populations of signaling conjugates were visualized, tracked and analyzed by combining live imaging, calcium recording and multivariate statistical analysis. Correlative immunofluorescence was added to quantify endogenous molecular recruitments at the cell-cell junction. By analyzing a large number of rare conjugates, we were able to define calcium signatures associated with different states of CD4+ T cell-MDM interactions. Quantitative image analysis of immunostained conjugates detected the propensity of endogenous T cell surface markers and intracellular organelles to polarize towards cell-cell junctions with high and sustained calcium signaling profiles, hence defining immunological synapses. Overall, we developed a broadly applicable approach enabling detailed single cell- and population-based investigations of rare cell-cell communication events with primary cells.

CalQuo 2 : Automated Fourier-space, population-level quantification of global intracellular calcium responses

Intracellular calcium acts as a secondary messenger in a wide variety of crucial biological signaling processes. Advances in fluorescence microscopy and calcium sensitive dyes has led to the routine quantification of calcium responses in non-excitable cells. However, the automatization of global intracellular calcium analysis at the single-cell level within a large population simultaneously remains challenging. One software, CalQuo (Calcium Quantification), offers some automatic features in calcium analysis. Here, we present an advanced version of the software package: CalQuo 2 . CalQuo 2 analyzes the calcium response in the Fourier-domain, allowing the number of user-defined filtering parameters to be reduced to one and a greater diversity of calcium responses to be recognized, compared to CalQuo that directly interprets the calcium intensity signal. CalQuo 2 differentiates cells that release a single calcium response and those that release oscillatory calcium fluxes. We have demonstrated the use of CalQuo 2 by measuring the calcium response in genetically modified Jurkat T-cells under varying ligand conditions, in which we show that peptide:MHCs and anti-CD3 antibodies trigger a fraction of T cells to release oscillatory calcium fluxes that increase with increasing koff rates. These results show that CalQuo 2 is a robust and user-friendly tool for characterizing global, single cell calcium responses.

Naïve helper T cells with high CD5 expression have increased calcium signaling

The adaptive immune response is orchestrated by T helper cells and their function is dependent upon interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR), peptide MHC (pMHC) and co-receptors. TCR-pMHC interactions initiate calcium signaling cascades which determine T cell activation, survival, proliferation and differentiation. CD5 is a co-receptor that plays an important role in regulating T cell signaling and fate during thymocyte education. CD5 surface expression on mature single positive thymocytes correlates with the TCR signal strength for positive selecting self-ligands. CD5 also plays a role in T cell function after thymic development is complete. Peripheral T cells with higher CD5 expression respond better to foreign antigen than those with lower CD5 expression and CD5-high T cells are enriched in memory populations. In our study, we examined the role of CD5 expression and calcium signaling in the primary response of T cells using two Listeria monocytogenes specific T helper cells (LLO118 and LLO56). These T cells recognize the same immunodominant epitope (LLO_190-205) of L. monocytogenes and have divergent primary and secondary responses and different levels of CD5 expression. We found that each T cell has unique calcium mobilization in response to in vitro stimulation with LLO_190-205 and that CD5 expression levels in these cells changed over time following stimulation. LLO56 naïve T helper cells, which expresses higher levels of CD5, have higher calcium mobilization than naïve LLO118 T cells. Three days after in vitro stimulation, LLO118 T cells had more robust calcium mobilization than LLO56 and there were no differences in calcium mobilization 8 days after in vitro stimulation. To further evaluate the role of CD5, we measured calcium signaling in CD5 knockout LLO118 and LLO56 T cells at these three time points and found that CD5 plays a significant role in promoting the calcium signaling of naïve CD5-high LLO56 T cells.

Mechanical stimuli modulate intracellular calcium oscillations: a pathological model without chemical cues

OBJECTIVE

To control the oscillatory behavior of the intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) concentration in endothelial cells via mechanical factors (i.e., various hydrostatic pressures) because [Ca²⁺]_i in these cells is affected by blood pressure.

RESULTS

Quantitative analyses based on real-time imaging showed that [Ca²⁺]_i oscillation frequency and relative concentration increased significantly when 200 mm Hg pressure, mimicking hypertension, was applied for >10 min. Peak height and peak width decreased significantly at 200 mm Hg. These trends were more marked as the duration of the 200 mm Hg pressure was increased. However, no change was observed under normal blood pressure conditions 100 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

We generated a simple in vitro model to study [Ca²⁺]_i behavior in relation to various pathologies and diseases by eliminating possible complicating effects induced by chemical cues.

T Cells of Infants Are Mature, but Hyporeactive Due to Limited Ca2+ Influx

CD4 T cells in human infants and adults differ in the initiation and strength of their responses. The molecular basis for these differences is not yet understood. To address this the principle key molecular events of TCR- and CD28-induced signaling in naive CD4 T cells, such as Ca²⁺ influx, NFAT expression, phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus, ERK activation and IL-2 response, were analyzed over at least the first 3 years of life. We report dramatically reduced IL-2 and TNFα responses in naive CD31⁺ T cells during infancy. Looking at the obligatory Ca²⁺ influx required to induce T cell activation and proliferation, we demonstrate characteristic patterns of impairment for each stage of infancy that are partly due to the differential usage of Ca²⁺ stores. Consistent with those findings, translocation of NFATc2 is limited, but still dependent on Ca²⁺ influx as demonstrated by sensitivity to cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment. Thus weak Ca²⁺ influx functions as a catalyst for the implementation of restricted IL-2 response in T cells during infancy. Our studies also define limited mobilization of Ca²⁺ ions as a characteristic property of T cells during infancy. This work adds to our understanding of infants’ poor T cell responsiveness against pathogens.

T Cells and Gene Regulation: The Switching On and Turning Up of Genes after T Cell Receptor Stimulation in CD8 T Cells

Signaling downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) is directly regulated by the dose and affinity of peptide antigen. The strength of TCR signaling drives a multitude of T cell functions from development to differentiation. CD8 T cells differentiate into a diverse pool of effector and memory cells after activation, a process that is critical for pathogen clearance and is highly regulated by TCR signal strength. T cells rapidly alter their gene expression upon activation. Multiple signaling pathways downstream of the TCR activate transcription factors, which are critical for this process. The dynamics between proximal TCR signaling, transcription factor activation and CD8 T cell function are discussed here. We propose that inducible T cell kinase (ITK) acts as a rheostat for gene expression. This unique regulation of TCR signaling by ITK provides a possible signaling mechanism for the promotion of a diverse T cell repertoire in response to pathogen.

CalQuo: automated, simultaneous single-cell and population-level quantification of global intracellular Ca2+ responses

Detecting intracellular calcium signaling with fluorescent calcium indicator dyes is often coupled with microscopy techniques to follow the activation state of non-excitable cells, including lymphocytes. However, the analysis of global intracellular calcium responses both at the single-cell level and in large ensembles simultaneously has yet to be automated. Here, we present a new software package, CalQuo (Calcium Quantification), which allows the automated analysis and simultaneous monitoring of global fluorescent calcium reporter-based signaling responses in up to 1000 single cells per experiment, at temporal resolutions of sub-seconds to seconds. CalQuo quantifies the number and fraction of responding cells, the temporal dependence of calcium signaling and provides global and individual calcium-reporter fluorescence intensity profiles. We demonstrate the utility of the new method by comparing the calcium-based signaling responses of genetically manipulated human lymphocytic cell lines.

Efficient cell pairing in droplets using dual-color sorting

The use of microfluidic droplets has become a powerful tool for the screening and manipulation of cells. However, currently this is restricted to assays involving a single cell type. Studies on the interaction of different cells (e.g. in immunology) as well as the screening of antibody-secreting cells in assays requiring an additional reporter cell, have not yet been successfully demonstrated. Based on Poisson statistics, the probability for the generation of droplets hosting exactly one cell of two different types is just 13.5%. To overcome this limitation, we have developed an approach in which different cell types are stained with different fluorescent dyes. Subsequent to encapsulation into droplets, the resulting emulsion is injected into a very compact sorting device allowing for analysis at high magnification and fixation of the cells close to the focal plane. By applying dual-color sorting, this furthermore enables the specific collection and analysis of droplets with exactly two different cells. Our approach shows an efficiency of up to 86.7% (more than 97% when also considering droplets hosting one or more cells of each type), and, hence, should pave the way for a variety of cell-based assays in droplets.

The functional contribution of calcium ion flux heterogeneity in T cells

The role of intracellular calcium ion oscillations in T-cell physiology is being increasingly appreciated by studies that describe how unique temporal and spatial calcium ion signatures can control different signalling pathways. Within this review, we provide detailed mechanisms of calcium ion oscillations, and emphasise the pivotal role that calcium signalling plays in directing crucial events pertaining to T-cell functionality. We also describe methods of calcium ion quantification, and take the opportunity to discuss how a deeper understanding of calcium signalling combined with new detection and quantification methodologies can be used to better design immunotherapies targeting T-cell responses.