Laboratory equipment
Our Applied Immunology laboratory is authorised as a genetic engineering enclosure (S1). It is equipped for the sterile cultivation of cell cultures and microorganisms on a laboratory scale as well as for molecular biological and immunodiagnostic tests.
In addition, we have the option of using other equipment from the laboratories of our faculties and our Institute INB for research projects, for example.
Immunological procedures
In flow cytometry, characteristic lymphocyte components (surface molecules or intracellular markers) are detected with fluorescence-labelled antibodies. This allows the immune response of lymphocytes to be characterised and quantified.
In our Applied Immunology laboratory, we operate two flow cytometers that are used in practical training in immunology to characterise lymphocytes.
If the cellular immune response - i.e. the specification of the immune cells involved - is to be recorded more precisely, the EliSpot assay is used. The proportion of active immune cells can be described qualitatively and quantitatively on the basis of cytokine secretion in the ELISpot assay and its evaluation in the ELISpot reader.
Proof of cytokine secretion (e.g. IFN gamma or granzyme B) by activated lymphocytes is based on the formation of coloured spots on the membrane of a multititer plate at the sites where cytokine-secreting cells were previously located. Quantification is carried out by counting the so-called EliSpots and comparing them with the spots produced by non-activated lymphocytes. The ELISpot Reader enables automated counting of these colour spots, thereby increasing counting accuracy and speed independently of the person performing the analysis.
The multi-titre plate reader can be used to evaluate various immunological assays for testing the activity of lymphocytes. These include cytotoxicity and proliferation assays that function on a colourimetric or luminometric basis. Many other measurement modes such as fluorescence measurement and TRF(Time Resolved Fluorescence) can be selected.
General laboratory equipment
Other equipment required for sterile work with cell cultures and microorganisms in our laboratory are
- Autoclave
- refrigerated centrifuges
- incubators
- Incubation shaker
- Deep freezer -80°C
Our laboratory is also equipped with the usual equipment for molecular biological and chemical tests (thermal cycler for PCR, devices for agarose and SDS gel electrophoresis, blot apparatus, devices for chemical-physical tests, fume cupboards and safety cabinets).