Next-generation, multi-technology immune-monitoring and easy-access spectral flow cytometry

Flow cytometry represents an essential technology in all
domains of fundamental, translational and clinical
biomedical research. At the KU Leuven, flow cytometric
services are centralized at the KU Leuven Flow and Mass
Cytometry core facility (KUL-FMC) and shaped by the needs
of its users. However, beyond life-time mid-range
cytometers threaten the research continuity. To warrant an
uninterrupted transition of ongoing research projects from
aged to state-of-the-art equipment, the applying crossdepartmental
consortium of biomedical researchers has
formed and identified spectral flow cytometry as best
suited technology. Spectral flow cytometry not only
improves data quality but also allows for higher number of
parameters to be analysed simultaneously. The
implementation of this novel technology to replace aged
conventional cytometers will assure that researchers
remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
The consortium has further identified an urgent need for
high-end immune-monitoring services particularly but not
exclusively in clinical research. While this concept is
becoming state-of-the-art world-wide, Belgium is lacking an
immune-monitoring facility. Endorsed by the entire
consortium, individual consortium members and the KULFMC
have formed an expert group that has developed a
proposal to implement an innovative, multi-technology and
end-to-end solution which can keep positioning the KU
Leuven and Belgium as a key reference in the field of
immune monitoring.