Flow Cytometry
We use flow cytometry to analyze intracellular and surface protein expression on horse immune cells purified from blood. Monoclonal antibodies are fluorescently labeled and label cells that express a specific protein. Our recent work has characterized different immune cell populations over time to see how the horse immune system changes during allergic reactions and EHV-1 infections. We also use flow cytometry to sort and purify specific populations of cells for further functional analysis.
FPLC and Molecular Techniques
We use Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) protein purification to purify monoclonal antibodies and proteins for Luminex®, cell stimulation, antibody development.
Multiplex Assays
We use Luminex® multiplexed bead-based assays to detect cytokine, chemokine and secreted immunoglobulins in equine serum. We also measure these proteins secreted in vitro by different immune cells. Compared to an ELISA, Luminex® assays provide higher specificity and can run multiple assays in a single well.
This is one multiplex example which detects secreted equine IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-α. The reaction shown is performed in a single microtiter plate well.