Lab Location: Anna Spiegel Center of Translational Research, Level 5 & Level 3 (Core Facility)
Associated Clinical Department: General Surgery

Contact: andreas.spittler@meduniwien.ac.at
Tel: +43-1-40400-73540

Website: www.meduniwien.ac.at/…/core-facility-flow-cytometry

Our group focuses on the characterization of monocyte phenotype and function in sepsis disease. For this purpose we use monocytes from healthy probands as well as from sepsis patients and characterize these cells dependent on the sepsis phases. To get a deeper impact on regulatory mechanisms we have established an in vitro LPS induced second hit model which indicates monocytes in the late phase of sepsis. Aims of these studies are a better understanding of various sepsis phases since different sepsis phases need different therapeutical interventions.

1. Immunoglobulins in Inflammation

Polyvalent immunoglobulin preparations are administered as adjunctive therapy for sepsis and septic shock which has been reported to have a significant impact on mortality, with a trend in favour of IgGAM. Our group aims to investigate the influence of IgGAM on Gram-positive and Gram-negative sepsis in the hyperinflammatory as well as in the hypoinflammatory phase by using cell culture models. Monocytes form healthy probands are induced into so called M2 macrophages by a “Second Hit Model” using LPS/LTA stimulation. In addition monocytes from septic patients are stimulated in the early and the late phase of sepsis. The experimental proof is demonstrated by the detection of TNF-?. We further investigate the influence of immunoglobulins on TLR4 and TLR2 signalling, in the involvement of the Fc gamma receptors and the functional properties of these monocytes.

2. Establishing a Bed-Side Immunemonitoring

In the same context we are searching in sepsis for parameters which are able to characterize these different phases, and how these phases can be influenced by various therapeutical treatments. Aim of this focus is the establishing of a bed-side immune monitoring.

3. Technical Points

From the technical point of view our main focus is flow cytometry. These flow cytometry techniques include numerous assays such as phenotyping of the cells and functional assays e.g. phagocytosis, oxidative burst, apoptosis, intracellular staining of signalling molecules and/or cytokines, cell proliferation as well as cell sorting.

Flow cytometry has become an essential and widespread resource for the study of biological cells. To fully exploit this technology, great experience and expertise is needed but this is not always available. For this purpose the Core Facility Flow Cytometry of the Medical University of Vienne centralizes instrumentation with experienced staff to offer high-speed sorting and high-end measurement. The Core Facility also gives an advice in the use of flow cytometry techniques and in the planning of experiments.

More detailed informations can be found at our homepage: 
www.meduniwien.ac.at/…/core-facility-flow-cytometry/