Visualizing lipid inflammatory pathways in advanced pulmonary tuberculosis lesions by MALDI-MSI and immunohistochemistry

摘要

The workflow consisting of MALDI-MSI, LC/MS/MS and IHC/confocal microscopy enables detailed chacterization of lesion inflammation. AA-containing phospholipids had specific distributions in pulmonary lesions. The main inflammatory species were strongly localized to the active cellular areas surrounding the necrotic caseum. Confocal microscopy enabled ultra-high resolution imaging of AA-liberating enzymes whose distribution correlated well with AA-phospholipids and free-AA. The localized inflammatory response may be responsible for the ultimate outcome of the lesion (fibroCc/resolving or cavitation/dissemination), the modulation of which may be an important target for drug therapy.