TissueFAXS SL
SLIDE LOADER

All TissueFAXS upright systems configurations (Fluo, Histo, PLUS) are also available as TissueFAXS SL (Slide Loader) high-throughput systems.

In this configuration, they are additionally equipped with an automatic slide loader and a specially adapted version of the TissueFAXS scanning and image management software.

This software version also includes TGs new SV (Slide Validator) technology.

TissueFAXS SL systems are also available in scan only configurations.

check TissueFAXS SL systems can be upgraded to the same configurations as the non-loader systems (Histo and Fluo to PLUS, epifluorescence to confocal or high-speed).

Leishmaniasis parasite detection in cell culture and tissue: Leishmaniasis APP

Leishmania donovani parasites are the causative agents of zoonotic and anthroponotic visceral leishmaniasis. There is no prophylactic vaccine and available drugs are either expensive and/or show significant toxicity, making the research on leishmania biology essential for a detailed understanding of the dispersal of these obligatory-intracellular parasites and their host phagocytes in the skin [1].

The Leishmaniasis APP within TissueGnostics contextual image analysis software, StrataQuest, was designed to assist in immunology research into Leishmaniasis and can be adapted for research on other intracellular parasites. It can be used both on cell cultures and tissue sections. Its main function is to automatically detect parasite stages in cell compartments and quantify them in context with specific immune markers. In this case study, we will show in detail how simple and straightforward the analysis is.

The aim of this project was to detect how many cells are infected by leishmaniasis and the number of leishmaniasis parasites per cell.

The image below shows a mouse skin-draining lymph node stained with DAPI (nucleus, blue).

Nuclei detection based on DAPI staining is one of the most crucial first steps in image analysis; (a) here nuclei are outlined in green. Starting from this, the software defines the whole cell around the nuclei, outlined in yellow for representation (b); (c) detection of parasites inside the cell as shown here as pink dots; (d) combined masks showing cells in yellow and Leishmaniasis parasites in pink.

The obtained data is visualized within StrataQuest using scattergrams. In the example below, (e) cells containing parasites are highlighted in red by selecting them in the proper scattergram (in this case, parasites count vs cell size). The individual cells within an image can be chosen and their exact position in the corresponding scattergram is shown – this is a feature available in StrataQuest called forward connection, especially useful for validation of the selected gates.

In the end, all results with many parameters to choose from can be outputted into common file formats (Excel, PDF, CSV) for further statistical analysis.

However, the power of StrataQuest´s App-based streamlined workflow does not end with cell/parasite detection. For further deciphering of Leishmania life cycle aspects and distribution processes, the parasite load and the status of parasite stages, e.g. “live/dead” can also be evaluated to obtain additive information. The IF Dots APP enables the analysis of FISH-stained leishmaniasis parasites.

A recent paper utilizing StrataQuest´s analysis software showed that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is predictive of clinical response to treatment in patients with leishmaniasis [2]. If you are interested in performing detailed context-based quantitative analysis, explore the potential of StrataQuest and StrataQuest Apps.

Sources:

Doehl JSP, Ashwin H, Brown N, Romano A, Carmichael S, Pitchford JW, Kaye PM. Spatial Point Pattern Analysis Identifies Mechanisms Shaping the Skin Parasite Landscape in Leishmania donovani Infection. Front Immunol. 2021 Dec 16;12:795554. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.795554.
Nidhi S. Dey, Paul M. Kaye, Shalindra Ranasinghe. Early reduction in PD-L1 expression predicts faster treatment response in human cutaneous leishmaniasis. October 5, 2021. J Clin Invest. 2021;131(22):e142765. doi.org/10.1172/JCI142765.
TissueGnostics, 2022. White paper. PD-L1 raises new hope in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

CONFIGURATION

TissueFAXS SL systems are loaded with up to three 40 slide magazines with each magazine containing 20 two slide metal clips for a total of 120 standard slides.

Alternatively, 60 double sized (76 × 52 × 1 mm) slides can also be loaded and scanned, making TissueFAXS SL system one of the few in the market capable of doing this.

The clips are magnetically gripped and moved out to the stage for scanning. In this way, any contact of the slides with moving parts is prevented, safeguarding them against breakage.

TissueFAXS SL systems provide automatic scanning of brightfield and/or fluorescence slides. TMA scanning is supported in all configurations. Combined with TissueGnostics integrated high-speed cameras it provides high-throughput for slides with a speed and versatility in the top range.

TissueFAXS SL is capable of oil immersion scanning.