Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry of the mouse dural meninges for immunological and virological assessments

STAR Protoc. 2023 Mar 17;4(1):102119. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102119. Epub 2023 Feb 14.

Abstract

The highly vascularized meninges protect the surface of the central nervous system and contain a dense network of immune cells controlling neuroinfection and neuroinflammation. Here, we present techniques for the immunological and virological assessment of mouse dural meninges. We describe steps for immunophenotyping including meninges extraction and digestion, immunostaining, and flow cytometry. We then describe viral assessment upon lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection including steps for fixation of the meninges in the skull, whole-mount immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rebejac et al. (2022).1.

Keywords: Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry; Immunology; Microbiology; Microscopy; Model Organisms; Neuroscience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Head
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Meninges* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mice