Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
stratified patient samples are incubated with the large collection of recombinant human
proteins currently available for screening purposes to detect autoantibodies against
specific targets.
(e) Acoustic biosensor for characterizing immune-cell receptor/ligand interactions (
Saitakis
and Giseli, 2009
).
The authors point out that cells of the immune system come into contact with their environ-
ment through molecules on the cell membrane. They show that the interaction of these
membrane molecules with their ligands is governed by two-dimensional (2D) kinetics and
affinity. The intention of the authors was to develop a technique to analyze the binding of cell
membrane molecules in their native state, that is, using whole cells. Acoustic measurements
were performed by the authors to monitor in real time the binding of cell suspensions on the
surface. The authors claim to have developed a simple approach to detect and to characterize
whole-cell receptors interacting with surface immobilized ligands. Their analysis is label-free
and noninvasive for investigating membrane interactions in the immune system.
(f) Biochemical characterization of soluble HLA-DR. A potential urinary biomarker for
renal transplant rejection (
Ding et al., 2009
)
The authors have used a sandwich ELISA to determine the efficacy of monitoring soluble
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (sHLA-DR) in urine for renal posttransplant
patients. The authors provided biochemical characterization of the biomarker. The authors
noted that a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) generated in their laboratory was an epitope
on the NH
2
domain of HLA-DR alpha chain. Finally, the authors claim that soluble HLA-DR
excreted into urine is a useful indicator for kidney inflammation and their test should prove
useful for posttransplant monitoring.
(g) Development of an
in vitro
sensitization assay based on monocyte-derived dendritic
cells (
Reuter et al., 2009
)
The authors have developed an assay to assess the allergic potential of active components,
and for the detection of surface marker expression changes. Their
in vitro
characterization
assay is based on monocyte-derived dendritic cells. The authors state that the dendritic cells,
including Langerhans cells, form a sentinel network for pathogen detection, and are the most
abundant antigen presenting cells in the skin. The authors conclude by pointing out that their
assay provides a basic application in assessing the allergic potential of active components.
(h) Optimization of diagnostic EILSA-based tests for the detection of autoantibodies against
tumor antigens in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer (
Stefatic et al., 2009
).
The authors point out that colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer types world-
wide, and continues to be a serious public health problem. As can be expected, early
