A combined fine needle aspiration and spectral flow cytometry approach to assess human germinal center responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

STAR Protoc. 2022 Dec 16;3(4):101840. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101840. Epub 2022 Oct 24.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines drive the generation of affinity-matured B cell responses through germinal center (GC) reactions in vaccine draining lymph nodes. Herein, we describe a procedure for the acquisition of human lymph node samples via an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration-based approach. Additionally, we outline a suggested approach for the analysis of CD4 T helper cell subsets as well as antigen-specific GC B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablasts by high-parameter spectral flow cytometry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lederer et al. (2022).1.

Keywords: Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry; Health Sciences; Immunology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / pathology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Germinal Center
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines