PBMC
Also written as: PBMC — Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from blood samples for immunological research.
Full Definition
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a subset of white blood cells that include lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells) and monocytes, isolated from whole blood through density gradient centrifugation. In neuroimmunology research, PBMCs are crucial for studying immune responses, as they can be cultured and stimulated to examine cellular immune function. These cells are used to investigate autoimmune responses, test therapeutic interventions, and understand the peripheral immune mechanisms involved in neurological diseases. PBMC studies often complement cerebrospinal fluid analyses in neuroimmunological research.
Usage
Usage note: Always use PBMC (not PBMCs) as the abbreviation; spell out on first use.
In Context
- "PBMCs were isolated from patients and healthy controls to assess T-cell proliferation responses." — Laboratory methods section
- "The study included PBMC culture experiments to evaluate cytokine production profiles." — Research methodology