Spectrometer improves understanding of immune cells

Using newly developed proteomics technologies, MPI scientists have comprehensively detected the messenger proteins secreted by immune cells.

We can now listen to all arguments immune cells use to exchange information with each other

The team in Germany developed a technique that utilises macrophage cells. These cells are the first line of defence against pathogens and digest harmful bacteria.

The method mimicked an infection, exposing the macrophages to a bacterial compound, which were ionised prior to measurement.

The scientists then used a mass spectroscopy system to analyse the proteins secreted by the macrophages and study the messenger proteins’ exchange.

This novel approach allowed the scientists to form a better understanding of the communication between immune cells at the point of bacterial exposure.

Felix Meissner, a scientists at MPI said: “We can now listen to all arguments immune cells use to exchange information with each other and not just the ones we like to hear.”