Detection of Antigen-Specific T Cells Using In Situ MHC Tetramer Staining
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
In this review article, the authors describe various methods for in situ MHC (major histocompatibility complex) tetramer staining combined with immunohistochemistry for detection of antigen-specific T cells in tissues. Included in the review is the wide range of applications for such detection. The methodology is vital for studying and tracking the antigen-specific T cell response in tissues and has a wide range of applications. Given the growing importance of T-cell based therapy in addition to the pivotal role T cells play in adaptive immunity, this review article serves as a key reference to anyone working in the area of T cell biology. The review is thorough and includes an extensive list of references as well as work from the authors’ own laboratory.
The authors do a nice job of providing advantages and drawbacks of the methods, as well as limitations. The figures add value to the content. The manuscript is well-written and organized. The review would be strengthened by a discussion of future improvements on the methodology, particularly staining of fixed and frozen tissues.
The panels in Figure 2 need to be labeled A – F; at least they don’t show up on my copy.Author Response
Reviewer #1
Thank you for reviewing our manuscript and providing suggestions for improvement. We were happy to see your positive remarks, and have addressed your suggestions as follows.
The review would be strengthened by a discussion of future improvements on the methodology, particularly staining of fixed and frozen tissues.
We have added a discussion regarding the need for future improvements of the methodology to reliably detect Ag-specific T cells in fixed or frozen tissues in different experimental systems..
The panels in Figure 2 need to be labeled A – F.
We have added labels to figure 2 and also made several minor edits to the text to address previously undetected typos. All changes are tracked.
Reviewer 2 Report
This is a very good review on a technique that is gaining importance considering the clinical applications of the modulation of the immune response in humans, specifically in the oncology field. Complete and balanced between the substantial experience of the author and the existing literature.
Author Response
Reviewer #2
Thank you for reviewing our manuscript. We were delighted to receive your positive feedback.
