FOCUS - Immunology » Immune monitoring

Various T helper cell sub-populations in the control of adaptive immune responses – implications for pharmacodynamic studies on immuno-modulatory compounds

Perlik — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:25:53 +0000

T lymphocytes mature into CD4- or CD8-expressing single positive cells in the thymus from where they become “peripheral T lymphocytes” which populate the secondary lymphoid organs. Upon interaction with antigen-presenting cells, peripheral T lymphocytes become activated, proliferate and expand to differentiate into effector and memory cells.

Until some years ago two functionally different CD4+ T helper (Th) cell types were known, i.e. “Th1 cells” which are induced by the action of IFN-gamma and IL-12 to protect against specific intracellular pathogens, and “Th2 cells” which are induced by IL-4 to encounter parasitic infections and also to participate in allergic reactions.
Additional CD4+ Th subtypes have been described meanwhile.

First the “Th17 effector T cell”, which produces IL-17 and IL-6 and which is generated by the action of IL-23. Th17 cells function to clear a range of pathogens distinct from Th1 and under pathological conditions they are involved in autoimmune responses. The latter has sparked general interest for these cells as targets for immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory therapies.

“Treg cells” (CD4+, CD25+, FoxP3+) represent another variant of CD4+ effector T-cells with a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses.

FOCUS Immunology provides state-of-the-art scientific support and services to study these cell types under GLP conditions. If you are interested in learning more about FOCUS Immunology’s experience and offers or if you want to discuss your specific experimental needs, please feel free to contact:

Dr. Eddy Bruyns, Head of FOCUS Immunology Laboratory via e-mail eddy.bruyns@focus-cdd.com or via telephone +49 6221 64935124.

Bettelli et al Nat Immunol 2007 8:345-350
Shevach Immunol Rev 2006 212: 60-73
Murphy Nat Rev Immunol 2002 2: 933-944

Video presentation on immune monitoring in clinical trials

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:46:32 +0000

One of FOCUS Immunology’s key services is immune-monitoring in clinical trials.
In the presentation basic options of this service are outlined.
Please note that this is not a standard procedure, but that the actual procedures and parameters will be tailored to the specific needs of a given clinical trial.

FOCUS Immunology’s experts are looking forward to discuss this in detail with you.

Contact:
Dr. Eddy Bruyns, Ph.D.
Telephone: +49 6221 649 350
Email:eddy.bruyns@focus-cdd.com

Immune monitoring in clinical multicenter trials

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:38:16 +0000

FOCUS Immunology has developed methods for on-site isolation of immune cells from peripheral blood, their transportation to Heidelberg, and subsequent functional testing under conditions of international multicenter clinical trials.

In a recent project patients were recruited at medical centers in several countries. At these sites FOCUS implemented its robust and simple protocol for on-site cell preparation. Then FOCUS organised the controlled transportation of the cells to the central testing laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany.

Incoming samples were QC-ed, and cytokine production as well as proliferation was determined in cultures of the isolated immune cells together with various defined stimuli of immune functions.

It took FOCUS only 6 weeks to implement standardized sample generation, sample logistics and testing.

The studies led to further understanding of the compound’s mode-of-action.

FOCUS Immunology offers immune monitoring tailored to the needs of given clinical trial protocols. For further information please contact immunology@focus-cdd.com or contact directly FOCUS’ Head of the Immunology Laboratory Dr. Eddy Bruyns at eddy.bruyns@focus-cdd.com, Tel.: +49 (0) 6221 649 35 124.

Central testing of immune cell functions in an international multi-center trial

admin — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:42:27 +0000

FOCUS used the expertise of its Heidelberg-based subsidiary FOCUS Immunology in an international multi-center clinical trial that required the isolation of immune cells from peripheral blood, their transportation and subsequent testing for cellular functions.

Patients were recruited at medical centers in different countries. FOCUS established a robust and simple protocol for standardized on-site cell preparation and organised the controlled transportation of the cells to the central testing laboratory in Heidelberg.

After appropriate quality control of in-coming samples, isolated immune cells were cultured and tested for various functions including cytokine production and proliferation.

The preparation and implementation of standardized sample generation, sample logistics and testing was completed within 6 weeks.

The studies led to further understanding of patient characteristics and the compound’s mode-of-action.

For further information contact FOCUS’ Head of Immmunology laboratory Dr. Eddy Bruyns via eddy.bruyns@focus-cdd.com or +49 (0) 649 35 124.