Automating procedures for processing, cryopreservation, storage, and manipulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Cell-mediated immune responses have been found to play a crucial role in the protection from, or amelioration of, many human diseases. There are many vaccine trials being conducted where the most important immune assessment consists of measuring T cell responses. The most readily accessible source of T cells is the peripheral blood. Thus, collection, processing, cryopreservation, storage, and manipulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are all key steps for assessment of vaccine and disease-induced immune responses. Automation of these procedures is not currently practiced widely. This article reviews current practices and explores the need for automation.