CyTOF supports efficient detection of immune cell subsets from small samples

Analysis of immune cell states is paramount to our understanding of the pathogenesis of a broad range of human diseases. Immunologists rely on fluorescence cytometry for cellular analysis, and while detection of 8 markers is now well established, the overlap of fluorescent signals limits efficiency. Mass cytometry or CyTOF (Cytometry by Time-Of-Flight) is a new technology for multiparameter single cell analysis that overcomes many limitations of fluorescence-based flow cytometry and can routinely detect as many as 40 markers per sample. This technology provides tremendous detail for cellular analysis of multiple cell populations simultaneously and is a powerful technique for translational investigations. Here we present reproducible detection of immune cell subsets starting with as few as 10,000 cells. Our study provides methods to employ CyTOF for small samples, which is especially relevant for investigation of limited patient biopsies in translational and clinical research. •Mass cytometry or CyTOF is a new technology for multiparameter single cell analysis.•CyTOF can detect as many as 40 markers per sample with minimal background or overlap.•CyTOF can show reproducible detection of cells starting from as few as 10,000 cells.•CyTOF detection of very small samples may be relevant for studying patient biopsies.