Advancing flow cytometry for the on-site study of tropical infectious diseases

We will purchase a FACS ARIA III (BD Biosciences) 4 laser flow cytometry cell sorter, with the capacity to sort cells in bulk and single cells in plates. The flexible system allows us to configure the sorter for our current needs, but can be easily expanded to future requirements, making it an ideal long- term investment. The ARIA III will be placed and maintained in the Immunology Unit, which is situated in a BSLII laboratory, and is accessible for all Institut Pasteur research Cambodia staff. In addition, through collaborations, the cell sorter will be available for all biomedical researchers in Cambodia outside of Institut Pasteur Cambodia. A dedicated and trained research engineer will operate the machine. This equipment will allow us to investigate complex pathogen-host interactions to the single cell level directly on site in a low/middle income country. A flow cytometry cell sorter is indispensable for projects such as the investigation of antibody responses to dengue virus, the understanding the mechanisms of P. vivax receptor-ligand interactions involved in reticulocyte invasion, and the monitoring of vaccine responses to avian and seasonal influenza and rabies virus.