PBPD

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC)

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) are a critical component of the immune system, consisting of blood cells with a single round nucleus. These cells are primarily composed of lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, and NK cells) and monocytes. PBMCs are crucial for the body's immune response and are widely used in research and clinical applications.

Composition

PBMCs include several types of cells:

• Lymphocytes: These are the main type of cells found in PBMCs and include:

 * T cells: Responsible for cell-mediated immunity.
 * B cells: Responsible for humoral immunity and antibody production.
 * Natural Killer (NK) cells: Play a role in the destruction of virally infected cells and tumor cells.

• Monocytes: These cells can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, which are essential for phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

Isolation

PBMCs are typically isolated from whole blood using a density gradient centrifugation method. The most common technique involves the use of Ficoll-Paque or similar density gradient media. This process separates the mononuclear cells from other components of the blood, such as red blood cells and granulocytes.

Applications

PBMCs are used in a variety of research and clinical settings:

• Immunology: PBMCs are used to study immune responses, including cytokine production and cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
• Vaccine Development: Researchers use PBMCs to evaluate immune responses to vaccines.
• Cancer Research: PBMCs are used to study tumor immunology and the effects of immunotherapy.
• Infectious Disease: PBMCs are used to study the immune response to pathogens such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2.

Storage

PBMCs can be cryopreserved for long-term storage. This involves freezing the cells in a cryoprotectant solution, typically containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and storing them at ultra-low temperatures.

Challenges

Working with PBMCs presents several challenges:

• Viability: Maintaining cell viability during isolation and storage is critical.
• Variability: There is significant donor-to-donor variability in PBMC composition and function.
• Contamination: Ensuring samples are free from contamination is essential for reliable results.

Also see

• White blood cell
• Immune system
• Flow cytometry
• Cell culture

Cell biology