New Assay Measures T Cell Responses Using Small Blood Samples
Author Information
Author(s): Chakera Aron, Bennett Sophia C, Cornall Richard J
Primary Institution: Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Can a monokine-based reporter assay provide a sensitive and convenient alternative to ELISpot assays for measuring antigen-specific T cell responses?
Conclusion
The monokine-based reporter assay is a sensitive method for measuring antigen-specific T cell activation using small volumes of whole blood.
Supporting Evidence
- The assay can detect T cell responses in as little as 25 μL of whole blood.
- Results from the monokine assay correlate well with those from ELISpot assays.
- The assay remains sensitive despite delays in processing samples for up to 48 hours.
- Antigen-specific responses can be measured in whole blood without the need for PBMC isolation.
Takeaway
Scientists created a new test that can measure how well our immune system responds to germs using just a tiny bit of blood, making it easier to study.
Methodology
The assay measures antigen-specific T cell responses through changes in monokine gene transcription in whole blood or PBMCs after stimulation with peptide pools.
Limitations
The assay cannot distinguish between a small number of highly activated T cells and a larger number of less activated T cells producing the same amount of IFNγ.
Participant Demographics
Healthy controls and immunosuppressed recipients of solid organ transplants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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