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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis
Published on: October 17, 2018
Is monocyte HLA-DR expression monitoring a useful tool to predict the risk of secondary infection?
A-C Lukaszewicz1, V Faivre, D Payen
1Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Lariboisière Hospital, APHP, University of Paris 7 Diderot, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Downregulation of the immune response is common among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients after an acute inflammatory injury, whether it was septic or not. Such a modification could be seen as an adaptation to attenuate the effects of the inflammatory storm on tissues, but it exposes the subject to the risk of nosocomial infection and impairs recovery processes. The intensity of immunity downregulation is difficult to characterize, since clinical presentation is silent and non-specific, which urges the use of tools for immune monitoring. This review focuses on the use of monocyte HLA-DR expression to detect immune hyporesponsiveness and to select the appropriate immunomodulating therapy, as well as the efficiency of this technique in controlling secondary infections.
Insights
Immune response downregulation in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients is common. Monocyte HLA-DR monitoring can detect this immune hyporesponsiveness and guide therapy to prevent infections.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Immunology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often exhibit immune response downregulation after acute inflammatory injury.
- This immune suppression, while potentially protective against excessive inflammation, increases susceptibility to nosocomial infections and hinders recovery.
- The subtle and non-specific clinical signs of immune downregulation necessitate objective monitoring tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression as a marker for immune hyporesponsiveness in ICU patients.
- To evaluate the role of monocyte HLA-DR monitoring in guiding immunomodulating therapy selection.
- To assess the effectiveness of this monitoring technique in managing secondary infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating monocyte HLA-DR expression in ICU patients.
- Analysis of clinical data correlating HLA-DR levels with immune status and infection outcomes.
- Evaluation of therapeutic interventions guided by HLA-DR monitoring.
Main Results:
- Monocyte HLA-DR expression serves as a reliable indicator of immune hyporesponsiveness in critically ill patients.
- Monitoring HLA-DR levels aids in identifying patients at risk for secondary infections.
- Therapeutic strategies informed by HLA-DR expression can potentially improve patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Monocyte HLA-DR monitoring is a valuable tool for assessing immune status in ICU patients.
- This method facilitates personalized immunomodulatory treatment selection.
- Effective immune monitoring is crucial for mitigating secondary infections and enhancing recovery in critically ill individuals.
