[The interpretation of laboratory parameters in evaluating the immune status of man]

At least 3 physiologic parameters appear to be useful for the assessment of the immunity status of a patient. These parameters are as follows: immunocyte ability to activation, proliferation, and differentiation; these characteristics may be directly examined with the use of novel products of immunobiotechnology. The suggested approach essentially simplifies interpretation of the findings obtained in studies of human immunity system. Besides lymphocytes, special attention is paid to immunoregulatory monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes. Since these cells are known to secrete quite a number of mediators, an imbalance of their production and reception may contribute to the pathogenesis of many a disease.