Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) is an umbrella term encompassing cells commonly found in the circulation with only one round nuclei. Many key immune cell types are PBMCs, including T cells, B cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. These cells drive the body’s responses to external pathogens, mediate immunological memory, and are heavily involved in physiological homeostasis regulatory mechanisms, such as anticancer sentinel activity and inflammation control.1
PBMCs are relatively easy to access, and they provide a more comprehensive overview of immune system status than circulating serum or plasma molecular markers.1 As such, PBMCs—their properties, behavior, and function—are a major focus of disease research. Scientists have used PBMC data to investigate immune responses in cancer, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection, to name a few.1 While alterations in PBMC characteristics can indicate pathogenesis, they may also be pivotal to therapeutic efforts. This means that PBMCs serve as ...
