Spatial organization of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment

What do we do ?

Development and validation of a multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) protocol applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections, enabling phenotypic and spatial characterization of immune cell populations infiltrating various tumors, with the aim of exploring the composition and organization of the tumor microenvironment.

Scientific lead

Dr. Bertrand Dubois is an expert immunologist with extensive experience in the immune contexture of various cancers.
He leads a translational research group at the Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL) that integrates molecular and cellular profiling with advanced tissue imaging to elucidate the mechanisms driving tumor immune surveillance and escape, as well as response and resistance to therapy. His current research focuses particularly on the roles of B cells, antibodies, and tertiary lymphoid structures in shaping anti-tumor immunity.
With over 25 years of research experience and recognized expertise in multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) tissue imaging, he coordinates activities related to the in situ spatial analysis of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Techniques

• Development of 7–9 color multiplex immunofluorescence panels on FFPE tissue sections
• Automated slide staining (Leica Bond RX)
• Slide digitization / scanning
• Three-step image analysis: tissue segmentation, nuclear segmentation, phenotyping
• Data consolidation (correction of atypical phenotypes + calculation of cell densities)
• Image registration of 2-3 serial slides to enhance niche analysis
• Biostatistical analyses (R vs NR)
• Spatial analyses (slide projection + densities + cell niches + interactions)

Team members

• Bertrand Dubois, PhD, HDR, DR2 INSERM
• Justine Berthet, Engineer,
• Anne-Claire Doffin, Engineer
• Cassandra Assaf, Engineer