Laser scanning cytometry:: understanding the immune system in situ

Flow cytometry allows quantitative analysis of the identity and effector function of individual cells. However, it cannot provide information on cellular responses that occur within physiological tissue microenvironments. Laser scanning cytometry is an emerging technology that allows imaging and quantitative analysis of individual cells in tissues in situ. This article describes the technology and its potential for delineating the molecular and cellular events underpinning the immune response in health and disease.