Center for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy (CCII) - Functional Immunomics Core (FIC)

ABSTRACT In this Phase 2 of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy COBRE, the primary goal of the Functional Immunomics Core (FIC) remains unchanged. We will expand and enhance the well-established integrated service center that functions as a critical resource for the Research Project Leaders (RPLs) as a priority, and secondarily for all investigators of the Center. Since, all new COBRE projects utilize mouse models to explore the inter-relationships between the immune system and tumor progression with the goal of identifying potential new therapeutic strategies, our well-established immune cell analysis platform using CyTOF will continue to be the major area of focus for the FIC. In the last two years, we have also established imaging mass cytometry (HyperionTM), allowing high resolution spatial profiling of immune cell subsets to determine the role of heterogeneity in cell function and complex phenotypes. Additionally, we have enhanced our flow sorting capabilities by acquiring the BD FACSymphonyTM S6 cell sorter, a compact machine with six-way sorting capability and self-contained in a laminar flow hood for safe handling of human tissue samples. Another objective of the FIC is to allow rapid adaptation of novel and innovative technologies as they become available. The FIC has identified two important areas for development during Phase 2 of the COBRE award: 1) small animal imaging and 2) spatial biology. Jointly with the Functional Microbiomics Core of the Functional Microbiomics, Inflammation and Pathogenicity (FMIP) COBRE at the University of Louisville, we have acquired Visium CytAssist technology for executing spatial transcriptomics analysis. We also secured funding for establishing high resolution Molecubes PET/CT imaging system, which will greatly expand the capabilities of the FIC during Phase 2, providing our RPLs access to these new technologies. Besides functioning as a service center, another major goal of the FIC is to promote the education and training of researchers, primarily the RPLs. The FIC will collaborate with other Core facilities at the University of Louisville, such as the Genomics, Metabolomics and Bioinformatics core facilities established with the support of other highly successful COBRE/INBRE programs. In particular, the newly renewed Phase 2 FMIP COBRE-operated Functional Microbiomics Core facility, also directed by Dr. Bodduluri, has several joint initiatives with the FIC, including the establishment of intravital imaging service. We have established a fee schedule for FIC services and developed a sustainability plan. Additionally, we set up a Core Advisory Committee (CAC) with three highly qualified experts at the University of Louisville to advise on core usage, accessibility, quality of service, and charges. As an independent body, the CAC will provide an overall assessment of core progress and help in conflict resolution.