Detection of cell mediated responses Type IV

Type I sensitivity is associated with histamine and vasoactive amine release with vascular responses. Often such sensitivity is determined by patch (skin) testing. The positive reaction will occur in a few minutes as a wheal and erythematous (reddening) flare response in the skin. This test is hampered by availability of antigen for testing but the biomaterial applied directly to skin or a mucosal surface may stimulate a response. Caution needs to be taken in interpreting these tests, however, since this is a short term application. 

Negative results are the desired response in evaluating biomaterials for clinical use, but they are also difficult to evaluate. If there are no responses recorded except in the positive control sample, this is indicative that patient does not produce antibody to that antigen. Again the question of appropriateness of the antigen and its concentration on the solid support remains. 

A negative skin test presents the same problem Was the antigen correct and/or was it applied to a correct site  

The procedures for detecting cell mediated responses are much more complicated and difficult than for antibody determination. Most of the assays require the use of living cells and thus tests must be done shortly after obtaining the cells. Controls may have to be done at a different time which complicates the comparisons. 

The two most common in vitro test procedures used are lymphocyte proliferation and cell migration inhibition tests. The basic theory behind both of these is that T-cells have receptors on their surface which will each respond to a specific antigen. In the course of the response, soluble substances (cytokines or lymphokines), principally blastogenic factor and migration inhibition factor, which act on other cells, including other T-cells, are produced and released. 

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