5-Laser Cell Sorter with Imaging Function

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 570958445

Flow cytometric fluorescence-based cell sorting devices have been an indispensable component of immunological research for several decades. They allow not only detection, but also high-purity sorting of target cells according to specific fluorescence or cellular properties such as granularity or size. Until now, there was no commercially available solution to determine optical parameters such as protein localization in the cell interior, investigation of cell cycle or identification of cell-cell interactions via active (immunological) synapses during cell sorting and to calculate sorting decisions based on these values. We are now applying for a 5-laser spectral high-power cell sorting device which, in addition to the measurement of fluorescently-labeled antibodies or transgenic fluorescent proteins, can simultaneously measure optical parameters such as morphology, eccentricity, size and localization of fluorescent proteins on the surface and within a single cell and, if the sorting decision is positive, sort them with high purity. This allows questions to be answered that have, until now, not been technically feasible, and opens up a new perspective on cell sorting and its future. The applicant consortium of research group leaders from the Chairs of Immunology and Molecular Medicine and the Clinics and Polyclinics of Dermatology and Neurology describe in their concepts how they intend to use this image-assisted cell sorting device to investigate the interaction of cell types of very different origins: the interaction of macrophages and regulatory T cells in different tissues, the importance of different antigen-presenting cells for the development of immunological cell types, the localization of key proteins of central signal transduction pathways in the cytosol in T cells, and the interaction of immune cells with tissue cells of the skin or the central nervous system. The device will be integrated into the core facility flow cytometry and its structures, and the concepts and experiments will be closely linked to the sequencing core facility or the planned new core facility integrated technology development. It is expected that the combination of imaging, spectral deconvolution of fluorescence parameters, and high-performance cell sorting will usher in a new era of immunological research.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Bildgebendes 5-Laser Zellsortierungsgerät
• Instrumentation Group: 3500 Zellzähl- und Klassiergeräte (außer Blutanalyse), Koloniezähler
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Leader: Professor Dr. Tobias Bopp