Age, thymopoiesis, and CD4+ T-lymphocyte regeneration after intensive chemotherapy

Article Abstract:

Rapid regeneration of immunity following chemotherapy may depend on the function of the thymus, an organ located in the upper chest that produces T lymphocytes. The thymus develops and functions throughout childhood, losing its function gradually after puberty. A study of 15 patients aged 1 to 24 years who had had extensive chemotherapy found an inverse relation between age and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. The ability of the patients' bodies to regenerate CD4+ T lymphocytes after chemotherapy seemed to diminish with age. T lymphocytes are critical to healthy functioning of the body's immune system. The findings of this study suggest that any disease or therapy that decreases CD4+ T cells may affect adults more than children, as children may regenerate their T cell counts faster because of their functioning thymus. Study results may be applicable to treatments being developed for HIV-positive patients and for persons receiving bone marrow transplants to increase their immune responses.

Complications and side effects, Chemotherapy, Regeneration (Biology), CD4 lymphocytes

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Introduction to diagnostic laboratory immunology

Article Abstract:

The diagnostic immunology laboratory provides critical information in the diagnosis and management of disease. Manufactured antibodies can be used to identify types of white blood cells by eliciting and measuring an antigen-antibody reaction. Such measurements can be used in monitoring diseases like HIV, in research, and to guide immunotherapies. Complement proteins, which regulate inflammation and attack invading cells, also can be measured. Molecular diagnostic methods evaluate disease and immunity at a genetic level, and have increased the specificity and speed of some tests.

Methods, Immunodiagnosis

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Tumor immunology

Article Abstract:

The immune system may discriminate normal cells from abnormal cells, yet some tumors escape immune recognition and destruction mechanisms. Tumor cells may hide from the immune system by not expressing identifying surface proteins, secreting immunosuppressive agents, or expressing proteins the system identifies as normal. The immune system may control virus-related tumors by killing infected cells. Immunotherapy may enhance identification of tumor cells, heighten immune recognition of normal cells, or deliver antibodies that bind to tumors or deliver toxic agents to tumor cells.

Analysis, Cancer, Tumors, Tumor antigens, Immunotherapy

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