Flow Cytometric Approach in the Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiencies

Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs) compose of a large spectrum of diseases characterized by abrogated or dysregulated functions of innate and adaptive immune system components that cause susceptibility to recurrent infections, autoimmunity, neoplasia/malignancy and dysfunction of organs and skeletal system. PIDs are also evaluated as molecular diseases due to the mutations in one or more genes. That affects transcripts and protein expressions as well as their functions. Today, 430 different genes are known to have various functional effects which are related to 403 different PIDs. Analyzing the effects of the mutations on relevant protein expression and function is significant to diagnose and the follow-up of the PIDs. Application of flow cytometry for analyzing protein expression levels and functions in immune cells as well as investigating the cellular functions tender a rapid, quantitative and reliable approach to identify and to prove the genetic background of PIDs. Therefore, the use of flow cytometry aids to have a large spectrum of data from gene to function and from function to clinical relevance in the first-step and differantial diagnosis of PIDs.

Organoids Models for the Study of Cell-Cell Interactions

Organoids have arisen as promising model systems in biomedical research and regenerative medicine due to their potential to reproduce the original tissue architecture and function. In the research field of cell–cell interactions, organoids mimic interactions taking place during organogenesis, including the processes that conduct to multi-lineage differentiation and morphogenetic processes, during immunology response and disease development and expansion. This chapter will address the basis of organoids origin, their importance on immune system cell–cell interactions and the benefits of using them in biomedicine, specifically their potential applications in regenerative medicine and personalized therapy. Organoids might represent a personalized tool for patients to receive earlier diagnoses, risk assessments, and more efficient treatments.

Immunological Basis for the Development of Allergic Diseases-Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies

Allergy is an immune disorder due to over responsiveness of immune system to a relatively normal and harmless antigen; derived from environmental and dietary substances commonly referred as allergens. Allergy is an IgE mediated type I hypersensitivity which is characterized by the degranulation of specialized white blood cells known as mast cells and basophils. Majority of characterized allergens are proteinaceous in nature and induce Th2 response. Specific Th2 cytokines elicit the induction of allergen specific IgE antibodies in sensitive individuals. The IgE binds to Fc epsilon receptor on basophil/mast cells and on exposure, allergens cross links the IgE and induce release of hypersensitivity mediators that result in allergic symptoms. The symptoms varies from mild allergies like hay fever, itchiness, rashes, rhinatisis, conjunctivitis to a severe condition such as Asthma and some time life threatening anaphylaxis. At present a various blood based test exist to diagnose allergies which include skin prick, patch test and Specific IgE tests. The best treatment available is to avoid exposure to allergens alternatively use of anti-histamines, steroids or other symptom reducing medications are in practice. Immunotherapy to desensitize the response to allergen and targeted therapy are promising for allergy in future.