Stability and transport of cervical cytobrushes for isolation of mononuclear cells from the female genital tract
Author Information
Author(s): Liebenberg Lenine J., Gamieldien Hoyam, Mkhize Nonhlanhla N., Jaumdally Shameem Z., Gumbi Pam P., Denny Lynette, Passmore Jo-Ann S.
Primary Institution: University of Cape Town
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the effect of transport conditions on the viability, recovery, and antigenic responsiveness of cervical T cells.
Conclusion
Cervical cytobrush-derived T cells are robust and can preserve their viability, phenotype, and function over 24 hours of mock transport.
Supporting Evidence
- CD3+ T cell recovery and viability was similar in cytobrushes processed immediately or after 24 hours.
- Fifty percent of the CD3+ T cells could be recovered after cryopreservation.
- Maintaining cytobrushes at 37 °C prior to processing significantly improved detection of T cell responses.
Takeaway
This study shows that T cells collected from the cervix can stay healthy and work well even if they are not processed right away.
Methodology
Cervical cytobrush samples were collected from HIV-infected women and processed under various conditions to evaluate T cell recovery and viability.
Limitations
The study excluded women with menstruation, post-menopausal status, visible or reported sexually transmitted infections, or CD4 T cell counts < 300 cells/ul.
Participant Demographics
215 chronically HIV-infected women, median age 34 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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