Comparison of artificial intelligence image processing with manual leucocyte differential to score immune cell infiltration in a mouse infection model of cystic fibrosis

Immune cell differentials are most commonly performed manually or with the use of automated cell sorting devices. However, manual review by research personnel can be both subjective and time consuming, and cell sorting approaches consume samples and demand additional reagents to perform the differential. We have created an artificial intelligence (AI) image processing pipeline using the Biodock.ai platform to classify immune cell types from Giemsa-stained cytospins of mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Through multiple rounds of training and refinement, we have created a tool that is as accurate as manual review of slide images while removing the subjectivity and making the process mostly hands off, saving researcher time for other tasks and improving core turnaround for experiments. This AI-based image processing is directly compatible with current workflows utilizing stained slides, in contrast to a change to a flow cytometry-based approach, which requires both specialized equipment, reagents, and expertise.