Skip to content
Quantitative-Multiplex-Immunofluorescence Quantitative-Multiplex-Immunofluorescence

Quantitative Multiplex Immunofluorescence

Precision provides multiplex immunofluorescence (IF) along with AI-based image analysis to deeply interrogate tissues

Multiplex immunofluorescence (IF) image analysis can be an invaluable tool in immuno-oncology and autoimmune indications or where an understanding of the status of the immune system is important.

Precision mIF image

Single-cell and spatial biology insights with multiplex immunofluorescence

For multiplex IF assays, Precision uses instruments including the PhenoImager HT (previously known as the Vectra® Polaris) Automated Quantitative Pathology Imaging System by Akoya, which is a robust and flexible platform that can be used in a CLIA setting and is compatible with both tissues and cells. We offer assay development and validation of multiplex IF staining using multiple types of multispectral image detection technologies.

Precision for Medicine is also recognized as a Certified Partner of Akoya Biosciences for multiplex immunofluorescence tissue profiling, demonstrating our dedication to using advanced technologies for precise and efficient tissue profiling.

A selection of capabilities Precision provides using mIF

Precision’s mIF workflow can detect and visualize up to 8 markers of interest simultaneously from a sample. This generates complex spatial information of a tumor or tissue sample, and can be used to visualize the spatial distribution of proteins within a single cellall of which can provide information on pharmacodynamics (PD), mechanism of action, and progression or state of disease. Precision offers quantitative and high-throughput multiplex IF on fresh and archival tissues as well as cells isolated from liquid biopsies using ApoStream®, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

AI-powered image analysis can be performed using Inform or Halo patented software to visualize, analyze, quantify, and phenotype abundant and rare cells, including subcellular localization (nuclear vs cytoplasmic) of proteins at the single cell level.

  • Phenotype cells within a sample
  • Nearest neighbor analysis
  • Infiltration analysis
  • Analyze individual cells
  • Using 9-color imaging, phenotype all cells from a sample into predefined subpopulations.

    Shown is an example of an ovarian cancer tumor biopsy, with single-cell intensity and spatial distribution. Each individual cell from the whole slide scan has been classified into a predefined phenotype.

     

     

     

    mif-phenotyping
  • Nearest neighbor analysis quantifies cell-cell interactions by measuring the distance between each cell of one phenotype (phenotype A) and its closest neighbor of another phenotype (phenotype B).

    The distance between phenotype A to the closest neighbor of phenotype B can be used to generate plots and average differences in mean distance when comparing pretreatment and posttreatment samples.

    Nearest neighbor analysis
  • Infiltration analysis quantifies the number, penetration, and migration of immune cell infiltration and can be used to quantify any number of predefined phenotypes located within a specified distance from a predefined annotation.

    In this analysis, the red line corresponds to the tumor margin, drawn by AI-assisted manual annotation. The dotted red, pink, and green lines are software-generated concentric bins each representing approximately 50 μm in thickness.

    pasted-image-0-3-1
  • Biomarkers in individual cells can be measured  for example in circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Precision's CTC capture technology, ApoStream®, can be utilized to collect and concentrate CTCs, and pre-qualified mIF panels targeted to a selection of different cancer types can then deliver cytology information.
    pasted-image-0-4-1

Target the clinical biomarkers important in your trials

See which biomarkers we've worked with and some we've for immunochemistry and multiple immunofluorescence.

Brochure

IHC and mIF Markers Test Menu

Download Brochure
IHC and mIF Markers Test Menu

Using immune cell infiltration to classify tumors as hot or cold

Knowledge of the interplay between tumor cells and the immune system is critical for the translation and development of novel cancer therapies. In solid tumors, interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment—the mixture of cellular elements around them—can profoundly influence the probability of tumor progression, as well as the likelihood of therapeutic response and resistance. Using multiplex IF to visualize and analyze visualize the tumor microenvironment helps to classify and understand tumor status.

Immune-inflamed (hot)

pasted-image-0-5-3

CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells (green) infiltrating into Pan-CK+tumor cells (purple)

Immune-excluded (cold)

pasted-image-0-6-2

CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells surrounding but not inflitrating into Pan-CK+ tumor cells (purple)

Immune-ignored

pasted-image-0-7-2

Abscence of CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells (green) in tumor area Pan-CK+ cells (purple)

Whitepaper: The role of the tumor microenvironment, and how quantitative mIF can be leveraged for tumor profiling

Whitepaper

Quantitative Multiplex Immunofluorescence: A Powerful Tool for Oncology Therapeutic Development

Download Whitepaper
Quantitative Multiplex Immunofluorescence: A Powerful Tool for Oncology Therapeutic Development

Customized workflows generate complex insights from multiplex IF

Tissue biopsy multiplex IF workflow

At Precision, we have developed a digital pathology workflow that maximizes the capabilities of the PhenoImager HT™ Multiplex Immunofluorescence System. This system integrates multispectral imaging with automated scanning of cells in situ in FFPE tissue sections and tissue microarrays.

We have validated several immune biomarker panels across various therapeutic applications using this platform and workflow. These panels are being used to monitor immune cell infiltration in certain cancers, psoriasis, lupus, and atopic dermatitis.

Precision for Medicine's customized workflows generate complex insights from multiplex IF

Poster: Tissue and Liquid Biopsy Profiling Using Multiplexed Immunofluorescence

In this poster, we demonstrate how multiplex IF can be used to effectively explore the architectural context of the tumor microenvironment and classify tumors as hot, cold, or immune-ignored.

Global reach, multi-site support

Our multiplex immunofluorescence services support preclinical and clinical research, including multi-site studies, conducted anywhere in the world.

Working with Precision

Precision’s specialty lab scientists take a collaborative and consultative approach to projects and can provide recommendations on biomarker assay strategies and implementation. Services can be provided individually or as part of a comprehensive therapeutic development package including biomarker assays and clinical trials.

Related specialty lab services

  • Explore
    tissue-slide

    IHC

    End-to-end IHC solutions including kitting, sample logistics, staining via all major platforms, and in-house pathology services
    Explore
  • Explore

    ApoStream®: CTC Liquid Biopsy

    Proprietary Precision technology for antibody-free isolation and concentration of target cells in liquid biopsy samples; enables analysis via methods including mIF, FISH, and NGS
    Explore
  • Explore
    genomics-analysis

    Genomics

    With NGS, NanoString, qPCR and ddPCR capabilities, we can add insights from genomic and transcriptomic technologies to your understanding of patient biology.
    Explore