Abstract

Our
Flow Cytometry Facility provides researchers with an excellent platform to
conduct multi-colour flow cytometry experiments.  In pharma-led diabetes studies, we have developed a unique
T-regulatory cell (Treg) micro-suppression assay in our laboratory that
utilises a BD FACSAriaIIu instrument.  This
cell-sorter based technique has reduced the need for large cell numbers and
allowed for multiple replicates.  The
method has been adopted by several clinical trial programs running in the Tree
laboratory. 

In a comparable study, researchers are investigating
T-cell subsets in patients afflicted with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
(GPA).  In this antibody-mediated disease,
CD4 T-cell subsets display functional abnormality.  While Rituximab treatment allows remission,
some patients still relapse within 18 months. 
A key question is what drives relapse and what is the role of T-cells in
pathology?  For this study, sorted
T-cells are subjected to key functional assays including the Treg micro-suppression
assay.

Whilst the
facility also provides a platform for basic research it is dedicated to assist in
the study of how immune responses are regulated by different pathologies and
whether these novel mechanisms can be usefully directed for clinical gain.