Streamlined mouse tumor processing with STEMprep™: Automated, Efficient, and Reliable 3260

Abstract Description The tumor microenvironment is highly heterogeneous, composed of diverse cell types with distinct phenotypes and characteristics. Gaining insights into these differences is essential for advancing cancer immunotherapy and research. Reliable results demand high-quality samples and standardized processing, however, generating single-cell suspensions from solid tumors is challenging due to variations in tumor type, size, texture, and developmental stage. Balancing enzymatic and mechanical dissociation is critical to preserve cell viability and yield. We developed the STEMprep™ Mouse Tumor Dissociation Kit for use with the STEMprep™ Automated Tissue Dissociation System, featuring a user-friendly instrument and specially designed sample tubes. This system includes an optimized enzyme formulation and a single protocol that works across diverse tumor types. Our findings demonstrate consistently high cell viability and yield (cells/mg tissue) across tumors: soft B16 melanoma (91.2 ± 3.3% and 1.5E4 ± 7.4E3 [n = 15]), medium-firm CT26 colon carcinoma (82.9 ± 6.1% and 2.6E4 ± 1.3E4 [n = 9]), and firm 4T1 mammary carcinoma (88.5 ± 4.0% and 2.7E4 ± 1.7E4 [n = 4]). This method maintains cell integrity and epitope availability for downstream analysis. Furthermore, STEMprep™-processed samples are compatible with EasySep™ magnetic cell isolation technology, and are functional in T cell suppression assays, enhancing tumor research workflows with efficiency, consistency, and reliability. Topic Categories Tumor Immunology: Cellular Responses and Tumor Microevironment (TIME)