Medical Diagnosis Exams

Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes is a diagnostic and research technique used to analyze the types and proportions of lymphocytes in a sample. This process involves the use of flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry to identify the various subpopulations of lymphocytes based on specific markers found on their surfaces. These markers, known as clusters of differentiation (CD), are proteins that serve as identifiers for different types of cells.

Lymphocytes, which include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, play critical roles in the immune system’s ability to fight infections and other diseases, including cancer. Each type of lymphocyte has a unique function and expresses a different set of CD markers. For instance, CD4 and CD8 markers differentiate between helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells, respectively.

Immunophenotyping provides valuable information about the immune status of an individual by determining the relative abundance and activation status of these lymphocyte subtypes. This is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring immune disorders, leukemias, and lymphomas, as well as in guiding immunotherapy treatments. The technique can also help identify abnormalities in lymphocyte development and function, offering insights into complex immune responses or immunodeficiency states.

As well as protecting against disease, specialized NK cells are also found in the placenta and play an important role in pregnancy.