In Vitro Assay to Study CLL and Monocyte Interactions

Abstract

Investigations focusing on CLL and microenvironment interaction allow understanding role of each component of the microenvironment. In vitro cell depletion assay we described here enables us to evaluate the depletion of CLL cells and monocyte populations upon treatment with drugs targeting the interactions between CLL cells and monocytes. The assay is based on a quantitative multi-color flow cytometry analysis and, when combined to fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RT-PCR, it allows the isolation of CLL/monocyte cells and the further characterization of apoptotic and/or inflammatory pathways induced eventually on CLL cells and on monocytes.