Immunology

Development of an immunologic characterization platform that provides different levels of in-depth state-of-the-art real-time or delayed/retrospective analyses of immune phenotype and function, to be implemented both in the clinical routine at Rigshospitalet and in PM projects.

The immune phenotype analysis comprises a 10-color whole blood flow cytometry panel that in details characterizes B cells, T cells, NK cells, TCR subsets, Treg/Th17 cells, dendritic cells, myeloid cells, platelets and co-aggregates, functional asplenism (quantification of Howell-Jolly bodies) and neutrophil phagocytosis (quantification of engulfment of fluorescent E.coli). Focus will be on pathologic patterns of cell maturation, activation, exhaustion, migratory potential and/or function.

The immune function analysis comprises two different analyses: Whole blood stimulation by e.g. TruCulture® tubes, assessing paracrine function of immune cells and whole blood functional hemostasis by TEG® and Multiplate®, assessing immune thrombosis and platelet function. Focus will be on T cell, myeloid cell and platelet paracrine function and immune aggregation/clot formation (platelets).
In addition, the immunologic characterization includes assessment of circulating biomarkers.

Goals

  • To identify immunologic phenotype(s) and/or functional patterns that can identify patients at risk of different infectious complications.
  • To validate these immunologic patterns in appropriately designed RCT.
  • To provide a real-time in-depth immunologic characterization platform that functions as a new diagnostic tool in the clinical routine in e.g. (suspected) immune deficient patients, patients at risk of infectious complications etc.
  • To apply the immunologic characterization platform in appropriate research projects.


Tasks

  • To assemble a working group where different clinical and diagnostic specialties share their expertise, experiences, ideas and clinical needs WRT immunologic characterization both in the clinical routine and in PM projects.
  • To develop algorithms for analysis of big data both for use in the clinical routine (flow cytometry data) and in PM and other (research) projects.
  • To design (research) projects along the PM collaboration.


Research lead

Sisse Rye Ostrowski, Sisse.Rye.Ostrowski@regionh.dk  
Sisse Ostrowski has also received a grant from Region Hovedstadens Forskningsfond for project on the importance of hemostasis and thrombocytes for immune competence among immunocompromised patients. Read more about the project in the report from Region Hovedstadens Forskningsfond . Report

Publication of Interest