Identifying spatial immuno-oncological parameters of mouse tumors using Imaging Mass Cytometry

Abstract

Abstract Identification of immuno-oncological (IO) processes that dictate tumor growth, metastasis, and immune response is essential for selecting promising drug candidates in preclinical models. Imaging Mass Cytometry™ (IMC™) is a proven high-plex imaging technology that enables deep characterization of the complexity of tumor tissue without disrupting spatial context while eliminating artifacts caused by tissue autofluorescence. Here, we showcase the Maxpar® OnDemand™ Mouse Immuno-Oncology IMC Panel Kit for application on mouse tumor tissues. We compiled a 33-plex antibody panel to quantitatively assess IO-related processes and applied it to a tissue microarray containing a large variety of mouse tumors. We digitized high-plex data from mouse tissues using the Hyperion™ Imaging System and generated images demonstrating the detailed layout of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We further conducted single-cell analysis to identify specific populations of tumor and immune cells in the TME. The Mouse IO IMC Panel Kit successfully identified pathophysiological processes such as immune cell infiltration and activation, signaling pathway activation, biomarkers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic activity, growth, and the TME tissue architecture. Single-cell analysis of several highly relevant tumor types separated distinct cellular clusters representing tumor, immune, stromal, and vascular cells. Our quantitative analysis of tumor composition revealed critical insights regarding prognostic parameters such as metastatic and growth potential of tumor cells and activity of immune cell infiltrates. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.