An alternative flow cytometry based approach to measuring cell proliferation

Abstract

Background: Lymphocyte proliferation in vitro assays are used in the assessment of primary immunodeficiency disorders and monitoring for recovery of T-cell function following hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Previously established assay methods have used radioactive tritiated thymidine with attendant logistic and safety issues. Alternative methods which do not require the use of radioactive materials include flow cytometry-based techniques. Herein, a flow-based method using violet proliferation dye 450 (VPD450) was assessed for feasibility and clinical utility in the diagnostic immunology laboratory.