Understanding Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)
As crucial components of the immune system, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, or PBMCs, are crucial components of the immune system, PBMCs have a single, round nucleus1 and are primarily composed of lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells) and monocytes. Unlike erythrocytes (red blood cells) and platelets, PBMCs have nuclei, and whereas granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils) have multi-lobed nuclei, PBMC cells have a single, round nuclei.
The isolation process of PBMCs is typically achieved through density gradient centrifugation, resulting in a layer known as the buffy coat, which is rich in PBMCs1. The individual blood component composition of PBMCs includes:
- T Cells: 60-70%
- Monocytes/Macrophages: 15%
- Natural Killer Cells: 15%
- B Cells: 10%
Clinical Significance
PBMCs are typically used in studies related to immunology, infectious diseases, hematological malignancies, vaccine development, and transplant immunology, as they play a vital role in the body’s defense against infections. They are involved in both the innate and adaptive immune responses, making them a key focus in immunological research1. In clinical trials of new drugs and vaccines, PBMCs are recognized as a valuable tool to gain insight into the cellular immune response. These data from clinical trials are being used as surrogates in clinical trials for the evaluation of vaccines.
QPS has two fully equipped PBMC laboratories with experienced technicians who can perform optimal separation of lymphocytes and peripheral mononuclear cells. PBMC services can be provided as a stand-alone service, or as part of a full-service clinical trial. Our state-of-the-art laboratories include:
-
Class II Double-Wide Biosafety Cabinet Hoods
Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tanks
Each tank holds over 10,000 PBMC samples for long-term storage, if needed - Dual Florescence Automatic Cell Counter
- -80oC Freezers
- Centrifuges
Partner with QPS to advance your product for the global benefit of patients.
Contact QPS Today to Discuss your Next Clinical Trial!
Research Uses for PBMCs
- Immunology (including Auto-Immune Disorders)
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematological Malignancies
- Vaccine Development
- Transplant Immunology
Protein Identification
- Enzyme-Linked Immunospot (ELISpot) is used to detect secreted proteins, such as cytokines and growth factors, after incubation with peptides corresponding to the specific Antigen
Assessment of Cellular Immune Activities
- Using Flow Cytometry to examine the influence of a vaccine on the ability of T-cells to exhibit phenotypic markers associated with cytolytic potential
Determining the Ex Vivo Production of Cytokines
- Whole Blood Stimulation stimulates the cells to evaluate the antigen specific T-cell responses elicited by vaccines
Quantitative Measurement
- Chip Cytometry offers precise multiplexing that combines high-quality imaging with advanced image analysis software to enable a quantitative measure of each marker in an assay
PBMC Processing
- PBMC services can be provided as a stand-alone service, or as part of a full-service clinical trial
PBMC Isolation
- Experienced QPS technicians perform separation of PBMCs (lymphocytes and peripheral mononuclear cells)
- Isolated PBMCs are evaluated and cryopreserved for further analysis
Whole Blood Stimulation
- QPS’ facilities are certified for whole blood stimulation procedures
PBMC Diagram
Using a Density Gradient Reagent to separate PBMCs from plasma and RBCs
Washing and Counting PBMCs to cryopreserve for storage or shipment. Photo credit AM Robotics.
