METHOD OF DIRECT SELECTION OF ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T CELLS

摘要

The invention provides a method forconvenient analysis and cell separation ofantigen-specific T cells based on one ormore products secreted by these cells inresponse to antigen stimulation. The Tcells are provided with a capturemoiety for the product, which can then beused directly as a label in some instances,or the bound product can be furtherlabeled via label moieties that bindspecifically to the product and that are labeledwith traditional labeling materials such asfluorophores, radioactive isotopes,chromophores or magnetic particles. Thelabeled cells are then separated usingstandard cell sorting techniques based on theselabels. Such techniques include flowcytometry, magnetic gradient separation,centrifugation, and the like.