CFSE is used to fluorescently label live cells in order to track them. 5,6-CFDA/SE is membrane permeable, but trapped in the cell when converted by intracellular esterases. CFSE is equally partitioned to daughter cells during division and can be used to measure cell proliferation.
15 mL polypropylene tubes
5,6-CFDA/SE Invitrogen C1157 dissolved in DMSO at 5 mM and stored at -20°C.
Suspend PBMCs at 10x106 cells/mL in PBS alone.
Ensure that cells are uniformly suspended when CFSE is added.
If CFSE negative control is needed, remove cells now.
Make '2X' concentration (10 μM) in PBS
For example: add 5 mL PBS + 10 μL 5 mM CFSE
Combine 1:1 PBMC cells + CFSE (e.g. 5 mL PBMCs + 5 mL CFSE) in 15mL tube and mix completely.
Place in 37°C H2O bath x 10 min.
Wash in 10 mL complete medium.
Resuspend in medium at desired densit