Microarray-based genotyping for blood groups: comparison of gene array and 5'-nuclease assay techniques with human platelet antigen as a model.

Background: Most blood group alloantigens specific for red cells and platelets (PLTs) are based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding relevant membrane proteins.

Study Design And Methods: By use of five human PLT antigen (HPA) systems as a model, the suitability of a fourth-generation microarray technique for SNP typing was investigated. The results of the former were compared with those of a parallel developed third-generation technique (TaqMan assay, Applied Biosystems).

A novel method for simultaneous analysis of specific platelet antibodies: SASPA.

Glycoprotein (GP)-specific platelet antibodies can cause allo-immune and auto-immune thrombocytopenia. The specific detection of relevant antibodies is a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe an improved method based on simultaneous detection of various platelet-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies.

Messenger RNA profiling of human platelets by microarray hybridization.

Platelets are generally believed to be inactive in terms of de novo protein synthesis. On the other hand, the presence of ribosomes and mRNA molecules is well established. Many studies have used reverse transcriptase (RT) -PCR for detection of gene transcripts in platelets.

Flow cytometric analysis of T cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction with dendritic cells.

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells. They can be generated in vitro from CD14+ cells, and also from CD34+ progenitor cells. Although T cell proliferation using [3H] thymidine incorporation assay has been used widely to check DC function, this technique only provides limited information about the T cell proliferation.