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Mitogen stimulation

  • Mitogens are non-specific stimulants of immune cells.
  • Mitogen stimulation leads to immune cell activation and is used as a measure of general immune function. Common mitogens include phytohemagglutinin (PHA), phorbol-myristic-acid-calcium ionophore (PMA), pokeweed mitogen, and others.
  • Some mitogens have more pronounced effects on some immune cells than others. For example, T-cells are strongly activated by PMA, while B-cells are strongly activated by pokeweed mitogens.
  • Mitogen-stimulated immune responses serve as a positive control reaction in tests to measure antiviral immune cell function.
  • Healthy immune cells respond to stimulation with mitogens.
  • However, immune cells that respond to mitogens may not respond to other antigens.
  • Early during viral infections, immune cells fail to respond to the virus but may continue to respond to mitogens.
  • During immune deficiency, immune cells may fail to respond to viral antigens and mitogens.
  • Most individuals are exposed to common viruses during their lifetimes.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are two such common viruses.
  • The PlexCMV and PlexEBV assay measure T-cell immune responses to the CMV and EBV viruses.
  • Both tests also measure T-cell immune cell response to mitogens, simultaneously.
  • Selective loss of T-cell response to either virus is more common during infection with the corresponding virus.
  • Global loss of T-cell response to common viruses and mitogens is more often seen with immune deficiency.
  • To order tests or clarify questions, please reach us via email info@plexision.com or call us at +1 (855) 753-9474.

Early during viral infections, immune cells fail to respond to the virus, but may continue to respond to mitogens. Mitogen-stimulated immune responses serve as a positive control reaction in tests to measure antiviral immune cell function.

About

Plexision develops cellular biomarkers for personalized diagnosis and drug development in solid organ transplantation and immunological disorders. We also pioneer in R&D projects centered on integrating biomarker targets in all phases of drug development, from preclinical to post-marketing. Plexision’s technology can be adapted to

  • - Assess disease risk for several immunological disorders.
  • - Predict the success of a drug for a specific patient.
  • - Develop dosing recommendations for new immunological drugs.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory is CLIA-certified and located in Pittsburgh, PA.

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