Regulatory T-Cell Panel, FOXP3
Also known as: TREGSFOXP3
Use
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial in suppressing the immune response, primarily through the transcription factor FOXP3. This test is useful for evaluating patients for IPEX syndrome, which is characterized by immune dysregulation. It's also applicable in assessing graft-vs-host disease post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and in the context of certain malignancies or autoimmune diseases. Monitoring Tregs provides insight into the mechanism of disease and helps evaluate treatment efficacy.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be analyzed within 48 hours of collection. Reference intervals are based on normal adult donors aged 19 years and older, and clinical correlation for pediatric patients is recommended.
Limitations
Severe FOXP3 compromise is identified by low or absent Tregs, which is characteristic of IPEX syndrome. However, certain FOXP3 mutations may inhibit function but still allow detection of the protein by immunologic methods. Thus, absent Tregs by flow cytometry are sufficient, but not necessary, for diagnosis. Pediatric reference ranges have not been established.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender (K2EDTA) or Pink (K2EDTA)
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Clotted or hemolyzed specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |