Studying the human immunome: The complexity of comprehensive leukocyte immunophenotyping

Abstract

A comprehensive study of the cellular components of the immune system requires both deep and broad immunophenotyping of numerous cell populations in an efficient and practical manner. In this chapter, we describe the technical aspects of studying the human immunome using high-dimensional (15 color) fluorescence-based immunophenotyping. We focus on the technical aspects of polychromatic flow cytometry and the initial stages in developing a panel for comprehensive leukocyte immunophenotyping (CLIP). We also briefly discuss how this panel is being used and the challenges of encyclopedic analysis of these rich data sets.