On November 11, 2021 NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTG), a leading provider of life science tools for discovery and translational research, reported the launch of the nCounter TCR Diversity Panel and companion cloud-based TCR analysis report created for use with the ROSALIND platform (Press release, NanoString Technologies, NOV 11, 2021, View Source [SID1234595300]). This new gene expression panel allows researchers to measure the usage of T cell receptor (TCR) variable regions and shifts in TCR diversity with a simple assay that can deliver results in less than 24 hours.

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A diverse population of TCRs is a hallmark of a healthy immune system. The mix and abundance of TCR variable regions changes upon challenge with a pathogen, cancer, or any disease that triggers an adaptive immune response. TCRs are studied to understand disease onset, progression, response or non-response to treatment, and disease recovery. By directly quantifying the expression of each TCR variable region, the nCounter TCR Diversity Panel can rapidly screen samples without the time and cost of laborious sequencing methods.

"The nCounter TCR Diversity Panel provides an intuitive, powerful new tool for use with clinical samples," said Dr. Léon van Kempen, an early access user and scientific lead at the Laboratory for Molecular Pathology at University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands. "The panel allows for a TCR diversity score to be easily calculated based on expression and objectively quantifies a T cell response allowing for broad utility of the panel throughout all types of research."

The new panel utilizes the unique oligonucleotide barcoding chemistry of the nCounter Analysis System to detect mRNA transcripts directly. It contains probes for 129 human genes covering all TCR alpha, beta, gamma, delta variable regions as well as constant regions. The panel also allows for customization with the ability for researchers to add in and measure unique TCRs of interest. This novel solution is coupled with an automated data analysis report purchased separately and accessible within the ROSALIND platform, allowing researchers to analyze results and generate TCR diversity scores within minutes.

"We remain committed to developing innovative tools to advance our understanding of the human immune response. Leveraging the simplicity of the nCounter workflow makes it possible to gain broader insights with higher throughput," said Joseph Beechem, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, NanoString. "In the future, we expect to enable our GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler to study TCRs spatially within tissues, providing an entirely new dimension of knowledge."

Learn more about the nCounter TCR Diversity Panel and the latest scientific advances in the field of immuno-oncology using the nCounter and GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler platforms at the virtual symposium and booth #8 at the 36th annual Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) Conference.

Virtual Symposium: "Quantifying T-cell receptor diversity via expression analysis" is on Friday, Nov. 12, from 1:00 – 1:30 pm EST. The symposium is an opportunity to talk with Dr. Léon van Kempen, a clinical scientist in molecular pathology, about getting started with the spatial biology revolution and the GeoMx Whole Transcriptome Atlas. In addition, this workshop will focus on the nCounter TCR Diversity Gene Expression Panel and a case study on the use of the panel for clinical research.