immunofenotyypin

Immunofenotyypin, the Finnish term for immunophenotype, refers to the complete set of antigens expressed on the surface or within a cell that can be detected by immunological methods. It is commonly used in the classification of hematopoietic cells, where it helps distinguish between different types of leukocytes and malignant cells.

The concept originated from the need to systematically describe cell populations beyond morphology. By using monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific cell surface proteins, researchers can assign a phenotype that reflects the cell’s developmental stage, activation state, or disease status. Immunofenotyypin is integral to flow cytometry, where multicolor staining allows simultaneous detection of several markers, providing a highly quantitative readout of antigen expression.

In clinical practice, immunophenotyping is essential for diagnosing hematologic malignancies. For example, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is characterized by a distinctive combination of markers such as CD19, CD10, and TdT. Bone marrow transplantation and minimal residual disease monitoring also rely on precise immunophenotypic profiles. Beyond leukemia, immunofenotyypin aids in the identification of subsets of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, supporting immunological research and vaccine development.

Commonly used markers include CD3 for T cells, CD19 for B cells, CD56 for NK cells, and MHC class II molecules for antigen-presenting cells. Advances in cytometry, such as mass cytometry and high-dimensional spectral flow, have expanded the number of detectable markers, enabling more refined phenotypic maps.

Related terms include phenotyping, which refers broadly to the characterization of observable traits, and cytokine profiling, which assesses soluble mediators of the immune response. Immunofenotyypin remains a cornerstone of modern immunology, providing both diagnostic precision and insights into cellular function.