Journal of Vaccines & Vaccination

Challenges and successes measuring T cell immunity to vaccines

6^th Euro Global Summit and Expo on Vaccines & Vaccination

August 17-19, 2015 Birmingham, UK

Magdalena Tary-Lehmann

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Vaccines Vaccin

Abstract:

T cell immunity is critically involved in combating infections and cancer, and plays pathogenic roles in autoimmune diseases
and allergies. Therefore, monitoring antigen-specific T cells and their effector functions is crucial for the understanding
of these diseases and for proper assessments of the efficacy of specific immune therapies such as vaccines. Yet, unlike the
detection of antibodies, reliable measurement of T cell-mediated immunity has remained a major challenge, due to several
factors. One such factor is that the antigen-specific T cells of interest typically occur at very low frequencies in test samples,
such as peripheral blood. Another factor is that for the reliable measurement of T cell function(s) it is imperatively necessary
that the test conditions don’t change the functionality of T cells in vitro as compared to the one in vivo. The many variables that
can affect T cell functionality have earned T cell assays the reputation of being rather fragile, with even minor changes of test
conditions potentially having a major impact on the test results. A major breakthrough in the field of T cell monitoring has
been the introduction of protocols that facilitate cryopreservation of PBMC such that, upon thawing, the cells retain their full
functionality. This has enabled the generation of “reference PBMC” as ideal tools for assay development and standardization.
We will present data from two vaccine trials, a human vaccinia trial and a macaque dengue trial.

Biography :

Magdalena Tary-Lehmann is a Co-Founding Scientist and Chief Scientific Officer for Cellular Technology Limited (CTL) and Adjunct Associate Professor of Case
Western Reserve University (CASE) Department of Pathology. She has published more than 75 papers in peer-reviewed journals. She provides guidance and
oversight for technical operations in the GLP laboratory, ensuring the ongoing scientific excellence of CTL. Over the past decade, she has worked with clients and
regulatory agencies to develop and validate reference samples and controls for use in regulated immune monitoring assays.