Using microfluidics to isolate cells in sputum samples for early evaluation of immunological features of rheumatoid arthritis 

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Presenter(s)

Mandi Burcl

Abstract or Description

In an ongoing study, microfluidics is being evaluated as an alternative to flow cytometry for isolating neutrophils and macrophages from sputum samples to evaluate autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The abundance of immune cells present in lung tissue makes sputum a priority for further investigation and new techniques are needed to effectively assess macrophages in sputum samples without altering their function. ​

Immune cells of interest include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is an important immune response in RA. Preliminary studies show that the proportion of neutrophils undergoing NETosis, the process in which neutrophils decondense and expel chromatin in complex with associated proteins, is higher and macrophages are less efficient, in participants who are at-risk or have already been diagnosed with RA versus healthy controls [3].1 It is hypothesized that macrophages are responsible for clearing NET remnants and can be assessed for functionality to determine if they are effectively able to clear them. Previous methods to isolate airway macrophages (ie, flow cytometry) may alter their function by interacting with surface-bound antigens. By using microfluidics, we aim to eliminate this barrier to accurately assessing macrophage function, giving us a better idea of their role in autoimmune disorders such as RA.