In our institute, we have a 9-colour FACS cell sorter our disposal. It is used, e.g., for the analysis of various DC populations.

Led by Figdor (P2), this platform was established between four centres that respectively provide expertise and facilities for a variety of high resolution imaging techniques and MRI of humans in Nijmegen NL (P2, Figdor); MRI of mice in Erlangen DE (P6, Lutz); two photon microscopy in Paris FR (P13, Amigorena); and correlation spectroscopy in Marseilles FR (P22, Pierre). The platform organised several high quality courses and workshops in 2006-7 which continued in 2008.

Our laboratory has an Amaxa electroporator at its disposal. The electroporator is used, among other things, for the transfection of immature DCs with different constructs encoding for the oncogene Her-2/neu and as control PSA.

The Challenge of Cancer: Individual Cancers and Mutations Every individual´s cancer is unique. Therefore, the most effective treatment is one customized to a particular cancer´s genetic configuration. Genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities are commonly associated with human cancers. Unfortunately, since the genetic mutations leading to the development of cancer are often random events, every patient's tumor can contain a unique repertoire of antigens. This characteristic of human cancer requires that each patient's immune system be able to recognize and ...

Argos has made extensive progress in automating a closed, GMP- compliant system for DC manufacturing. This system involves a computer-controlled workstation that links a GAMBRO Elutra device (to harvest monocytes from pheresis products) to closed-system cell culture process. All media changes and washes are automated and limited operator intervention is required throughout the entire process. A second computer-controlled work station harvests the matured DC, electroporates them with RNA, and aliquots, vials, and freezes individual vaccine doses. Argos has consulted wi...

In march 2009 we obtained the new BD ARIA II, which not only allows 14 parameter flow cytometry, but also sorting of even very small antigen specific T cell subpopulations for further molecular analysis in close collaboration with Pierre Coulie´s group in Brussels. [PhD student Steve Voland]

We have a FACS Aria cell sorter at our disposition from BD Biosciences (URL: http://www.bdbiosciences.com/features/products/display_product.php?keyID=53). We used this FACS Aria among other things for fluorescence activated cell sorting for proteomic investigations. Using Fluorescence activated cell sorting allowed us to obtain highly pure fractions of CD8+, CD4+ and DN DC subsets. However, because DC are a very rare population, this method is very material- and cost-intensive. Furthermore, it is not surprising that the obtained cell numbers of each subset after isola...

Our laboratory has a FACS Canto II (Manufacturer: BD Biosciences - URL: http://www.bdbiosciences.com/features/products/display_product.php?keyID=594) at its disposal. For instance, we used multimers kindly provided by Pierre Coulie (Brussels) together with surface markers (such as CD8, CD4, CD3, CD45RA, CCR7, CD25, CD27, CD137, CD127) in different 8-color panels on this FACSCanto II.

This platform with its enhanced GMP facilities for production of clinical-grade DC is established in Erlangen DE (P6, Schuler / Schuler-Thurner). However, later it was decided to seek a licence for the production of GMP-grade mRNA that will be used for the (revised) multi-centre clinical trial.

A confocal microscope is available in our laboratory.

We have a confocal microscope available. This microscope was is used, for instance, for the characterization of antigen depots.

There is a confocal microscope at our disposal for confocal imaging.

We have used the electron microscope that is available to our lab, e.g., to document the production and secretion of tubulovesicular structures by cells overexpressing VSV-G glycoprotein and for documentation of production and secretion of tubulovesicular structures.

Our laboratory has an electroporator at its disposal. It is used for instance for RNA electroporation into DC.

We use the electroporator at our disposal, for instance, to electroporate dendritic cells with melanoma antigen RNA .

Our laboratory has an electroporator at its disposal. It was used, e.g., for an assessment whether functional activation of human monocyte-derived DCs can be achieved by electroporation of an activation signal in the form of double-stranded (ds) RNA and whether simultaneous electroporation of the dsRNA with tumor antigen encoding mRNA can lead to the induction of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response.

A Gambro BCT Elutra Cell Separation System is available to us. We have experience, e.g., in using it for monocyte enrichment.

This FACS analyser that is available to us is used, e.g., for the analysis of dendritic cells.

The FACS analyzer avaiable to the lab is used, among other things, to assess protein expression of tumor antigens or soluble proteins.

The FACS analyser available to the laboratory is used, for instance, to analyse stained cells.