Author Spotlight: Multiplex Immunofluorescence Combined with Spatial Image Analysis for the Clinical and Biological Assessment of the Tumor Microenvironment

In our lab, we are studying human colorectal cancer. Its progression to metastatic disease and its response to treatment, including immunotherapy. We are trying to find new predictive and prognostic biomarkers by investigating the tumor immune microenvironment and the intratumoral microbiome in primary and metastatic disease.

In our project we are currently implementing several technologies such as RNA sequencing, whole exome sequencing, TCR sequencing circulating cell-free DNA analysis, immunofluorescence and fluorescence institute hybridization. At this moment, our major challenge is to combine fluorescence institute hybridization staining with tyramide signal amplification multiplex immunofluorescence to study the interaction between the microbiome and the immune cells. Our method is robust, reproducible easy to use, and cost effective.

It can be set up in any lab possessing a fluorescent light scanner plus the method can be used with any commercially available IHC antibody in opposition to commercially available kits that are usually optimized for restricted panel of antigens.