Isolation of lymphocytes using the Miltenyi MACs kit is a reliable way to purify cells from whole lymphoid tissue homogenates. Cells purified using the Miltenyi system are typically ≥ 96% pure. Here, we demonstrate the steps taken to isolate CD4+ T cells, one of the many kits offered by Miltenyi.
Abstract
Isolation of cells from the primary source is a necessary step in many more complex protocols. Miltenyi offers kits to isolate cells from several organisms including humans, non-human primates, rat and, as we describe here, mice. Magnetic bead-based cell separation allows for either positive selection (or cell depletion) as well as negative selection. Here, we demonstrate negative selection of untouched or na ve CD4+ helper T cells. Using this standard protocol we typically purify cells that are ≥ 96% pure CD4+/CD3+. This protocol is used in conjunction with the protocol Dissection and 2-Photon Imaging of Peripheral Lymph Nodes in Mice published in issue 7 of JoVE, for purification of T cells and other cell types to adoptively transfer for imaging purposes. Although we did not demonstrate FACS analysis in this protocol video, it is highly recommended to check the overall purity of isolated cells using the appropriate antibodies via FACS. In addition, we demonstrate the non-sterile method of T cell isolation. If sterile cells are needed for your particular end-user application, be sure to do all of the demonstrated procedures in the tissue culture hood under standard sterile conditions. Thank you for watching and good luck with your own experiments!
Isolation of cells from the primary source is a necessary step in many more complex protocols. Miltenyi offers kits to isolate cells from several organisms including humans, non-human primates, rat and, as we describe here, mice. Magnetic bead-based cell separation allows for either positive selection (or cell depletion) as well as negative selection. Here, we demonstrate negative selection of untouched or na ve CD4+ helper T cells. Using this standard protocol we typically purify cells that are ≥ 96% pure CD4+/CD3+. Although we did not demonstrate FACS analysis in this protocol video, it is highly recommended to check the overall purity of isolated cells using the appropriate antibodies via FACS. In addition, we demonstrate the non-sterile method of T cell isolation. If sterile cells are needed for your particular end-user application, be sure to do all of the demonstrated procedures in the tissue culture hood under standard sterile conditions.
Disclosures
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Rebecca Paquett for the preparation of MACS buffer.
Materials
Material Name
Type
Company
Catalogue Number
Comment
MACS Buffer
Reagent
None
None
Prepare as described by Miltenyi.
CD4+ T cell Isolation Kit: Untouched Isolation
Reagent
Miltenyi
130-090-860
For use with the Miltenyi system.
Sterile Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS)
Reagent
For use in the preparation of MACS buffer.
Corning 35mm Not TC-Treated Culture Dish
Other
Corning Cell Culture Surfaces
430588
Used in the preparation of a single cell suspension.
70 micron Cell Strainer
Tool
BD Falcon
352350
Used in the preparation of a single cell suspension.
6 mL Syringe
Tool
Tyco Healthcare
8881516051
Used in the preparation of a single cell suspension.
Matheu, M. P., Cahalan, M. D. Isolation of CD4+ T cells from Mouse Lymph Nodes Using Miltenyi MACS Purification. J. Vis. Exp. (9), e409, doi:10.3791/409 (2007).