Conclusions
The use of standardized conditions for cryopreservation using specific media and well-monitored storage conditions in conjunction with the use of optimized thawing protocols leads to optimal preservation of fundamental characteristics of PBMCs. This enables adherence to critical requirements important in the design and execution of large-scale longitudinal or cross-sectional studies throughout drug development.
In addition, the availability of well-characterized cryopreserved PBMCs enables ex vivo testing of leads under varying conditions. The large batch sizes contribute to consistency and reproducibility of results and provide sufficient cells that can be used as controls pertinent to a particular study. Cyropreserved PBMCs and companion assays such as ELISpot and other cell-based assays comprise a unique toolbox to facilitate progress in preclinical and clinical stages of drug development.