immunofenotípiás

Immunofenotipagem is a laboratory technique used to identify and quantify different cell populations within a biological sample based on the proteins they express on their surface or internally. This process relies on the use of antibodies, which are highly specific proteins that bind to particular antigens (the proteins of interest) on or within cells. By conjugating these antibodies to fluorescent markers or enzymes, researchers can detect and measure the presence and abundance of specific cell types.

The technique commonly involves flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry. In flow cytometry, cells are suspended in a fluid and passed through a laser beam. Fluorescently labeled antibodies bind to specific cell surface markers, and as the cells pass through the laser, the emitted light is detected and analyzed, allowing for the enumeration and characterization of different cell populations. Immunohistochemistry uses labeled antibodies to detect antigens in tissue sections, visualizing their location and distribution under a microscope.

Immunofenotipagem is crucial in various fields, particularly in hematology and immunology. It is extensively used for diagnosing and monitoring leukemia and lymphoma, classifying B and T cell subsets, assessing immune deficiencies, and identifying populations of stem cells. The detailed information it provides about cellular composition is invaluable for understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating treatment efficacy, and guiding clinical decisions.