Protocol to visualize CD11c+ cells in atherosclerosis using LacZ reporter mice

• Published in: STAR protocols Vol. 3; no. 3; p. 101645
• Main Authors: Sauter, Manuela, Sauter, Reinhard J., Olbrich, Marcus, Thunemann, Martin, Feil, Susanne, Feil, Robert, Langer, Harald F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 16.09.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Genetics; Health sciences; Immunology; Model organisms; Molecular biology; Protocol; Health sciences; Genetics; Immunology; Model organisms; Molecular biology
• ISSN: 2666-1667; 2666-1667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101645

Here, we describe an in vivo approach to visualize CD11c+ cells in atherosclerosis. In particular, we use a protocol for X-Gal staining of immune cells within atherosclerotic plaques, which can be used as an alternative to analyze plaque composition and cell-specific molecules in atherogenesis. LacZ knockin mice have to be bred to mice carrying the CD11ccre recombinase—both brought onto an ApoE−/− background—to be able to visualize this cell type of interest in the plaques by X-Gal staining. With this approach, different immune cells in atherogenesis can be examined. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sauter et al. (2021). [Display omitted] •Detailed protocol to generate CD11c reporter mice via specific expression of LacZ•Detailed description of X-Gal staining in aortae of atherosclerotic CD11c-LacZ mice•Quantify LacZ-positive cells in atherosclerotic plaques Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Here, we describe an in vivo approach to visualize CD11c+ cells in atherosclerosis. In particular, we use a protocol for X-Gal staining of immune cells within atherosclerotic plaques, which can be used as an alternative to analyze plaque composition and cell-specific molecules in atherogenesis. LacZ knockin mice have to be bred to mice carrying the CD11ccre recombinase—both brought onto an ApoE−/− background—to be able to visualize this cell type of interest in the plaques by X-Gal staining. With this approach, different immune cells in atherogenesis can be examined.