Quantitative application of flow cytometry for the analysis of circulating human T cells: A preclinical pharmacokinetic study

Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2020 Apr;35(2):207-213. doi: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2019.11.003. Epub 2019 Dec 21.

Abstract

As the application of flow cytometry to a quantitative pharmacokinetic study with adoptive T cell therapy is new, we aimed to investigate the quantitativity of flow cytometry-based analysis for the pharmacokinetic assessment of circulating human T cells in a preclinical study. We evaluated the selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of flow cytometry-based analysis for human CD8+ T cells in immunodeficient mouse blood. The CD3/8/45-positive cell population was successfully distinguished from the negative population. Linear regression analysis for the calibration curve showed good linearity and recovery was approximately 100%. Acceptable inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy were observed and the lower limit of quantification (30 cells/50 μL) was validated with acceptable precision and accuracy. Blood concentrations of human CD8+ T cells in immunodeficient mice were then evaluated after administration using this method and the time-concentration profile of human T cells in mice was successfully assessed. The present study is the first to clarify the quantitativity of flow cytometry-based analysis for circulating human T cells in animals. The concept of the present study would be applicable to quantitative pharmacokinetics/efficacy or safety analysis of adoptive T cell therapy.

Keywords: Bio-distribution; Cell therapy; Cellular kinetics; Flow cytometry; Quantification; T cell.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Flow Cytometry*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Young Adult