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

Abstract

Summary: 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 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry
• Health Sciences
• Immunology