Immunofenotüüp

Immunofenotüüp refers to the characteristic pattern of cell surface markers expressed by a particular cell type. These markers, often proteins, are detected using antibodies in a process called immunophenotyping. By identifying which specific markers are present and in what quantity on a cell's surface, scientists can differentiate between various cell populations, even those that appear similar under a microscope. This technique is crucial in fields like hematology and oncology for diagnosing and monitoring diseases, particularly leukemias and lymphomas. It helps classify cancer cells, determine their lineage, and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Flow cytometry is a common technology used for immunophenotyping, allowing for the rapid analysis of thousands of cells simultaneously. Beyond disease diagnosis, immunophenotyping is also employed in immunology research to understand normal immune cell function and development. The precise combination of expressed surface antigens provides a unique molecular fingerprint for each cell type.