Flow cytometry for immunology

Improvement in our knowledge in cellular biology is largely related to the use of new tools in quantitative cytology. Among them, flow cytometry was developed with numerous applications in the field of immunology including fundamental and applied research. Since its early beginning it has been associated with monoclonal antibodies to identify immuno-competent cells, to quantify changes in expression of surface determinants, to separate cells subsets prior to the test of their functional properties. Major advances gained using either single or dual-laser systems, multicolour fluorescence and computer facilities for multi-parametric analysis. Using this methodology it was possible to correlate analysis of cell cycle phases and membrane antigens expression. Applications have been developed for the analysis of new drugs in vitro, the evaluation of immunomodulating treatment and for clinical investigations.