Multiplex imaging in immuno-oncology

Abstract

Multiplex imaging has emerged as an invaluable tool for immune-oncologists and translational researchers, enabling them to examine intricate interactions among immune cells, stroma, matrix, and malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). It holds significant promise in the quest to discover improved biomarkers for treatment stratification and identify novel therapeutic targets. Nonetheless, several challenges exist in the realms of study design, experiment optimization, and data analysis. In this review, our aim is to present an overview of the utilization of multiplex imaging in immuno-oncology studies and inform novice researchers about the fundamental principles at each stage of the imaging and analysis process.

Multiplexed Imaging Mass Cytometry Analysis in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer

“…Compared to other multiplex immunofluorescence imaging techniques, IMC overcomes intrinsic limitations related to the use of fluorescence, including spectral overlap, iterative immunostaining and tissue autofluorescence [15]. For these reasons, IMC has been widely used in many studies aimed at dissecting the composition of different types of human cancer [21,22].…”

“…For a more complete dissection of the cellular and molecular actors of the TME, fluorescence-and non-fluorescence-based multiplex imaging techniques, that allow simultaneous visualization of multiple cell markers on the same tissue section, have been recently developed [15]. These include single-cell imaging mass cytometry (IMC), a technology that combines conventional histology with mass cytometry to detect up to 40 different metal-tagged antibodies, overcoming limitations frequently observed with fluorescencebased tissue imaging, such as tissue autofluorescence and spectral overlap [16,17].…”

SPACEc: A Streamlined, Interactive Python Workflow for Multiplexed Image Processing and Analysis

“…Multiplexed imaging allows simultaneous measurement of dozens to thousands of molecular markers (RNA, protein, or metabolome) within single cells with high resolution spatial positioning (1–4). Technologies such as co-detection by indexing (CODEX), multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI), and others that employ multiplexed antibody detection (5–11) provide incredibly detailed spatial data due to standardization of reagents and procedures (12–15).…”