Immunophenotyping is the analysis of heterogeneous populations of cells for the purpose of identifying the presence and proportions of the various populations of interest. Antibodies are used to identify cells by detecting specific antigens expressed by these cells, which are known as markers. These markers are usually functional membrane proteins involved in cell communication, adhesion, or metabolism.

The cluster of differentiation (also known as cluster of designation or classification determinant and often abbreviated as CD) system is commonly used for identification of these cell markers in immunophenotyping. The CD nomenclature was proposed and established in the 1st International Workshop and Conference on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens (HLDA). This system was intended for the classification of the many monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated by different laboratories around the world against epitopes on the surface molecules of leukocytes (white blood cells). Since then, its use has expanded to many other cell types, and more than 400 CD unique clusters and subclusters have been identified.

Cell populations are usually defined using a '+' or a '−' symbol to indicate whether a certain cell population expresses or lacks a CD molecule. Some cell populations can also be defined as hi, mid or low (alternatively bright, mid or dim), indicating an overall variability in CD expression, particularly when compared to other cells being studied.

The Immunophenotyping reference table provides a quick guide for the most common immunophenotypes based on the Bethesda guidelines and the WHO classification of hematopoietic malignancies. For ease of use the poster is separated into two sections, one for Chronic or mature diseases and another for Acute or immature diseases.

Complete the form and download your free copy of the Immunophenotyping reference table.

References

1. WHO Classification of Tumours Editorial Board. Haematolymphoid tumours. Lyon (France): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2024.
2. Jaffe ES, Harris NL, Stein H, et al. Dendritic cell neoplasms: A review of the current classification. Am J Surg Pathol. 2022;46(1):100-112. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000001721.
3. Feng J, Qiu Y, Zhang Y, et al. A review of the current concepts in the diagnosis and classification of dendritic cell tumors. J Clin Pathol. 2023;76(2):109-118. doi:10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207457.
4. Zhang L-F, Zhang Y, Shui R-H, et al. MNDA expression and its value in differential diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a comprehensive analysis of a large series of 1293 cases. Diagn Pathol. 2024;19:60. doi:10.1186/s13000-024-01481-6.
5. Choi JY, Lee JH, Yang WI. Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in the lymph nodes of patients with lymphoma. Pathol Res Pract. 2021;217:153296. doi:10.1016/j.prp.2021.153296.
6. Fujimoto M, Kikuchi M. Kikuchi's disease: the history and the current understanding of the disease. Ann Hematol. 2019;98(3):553-560. doi:10.1007/s00277-019-03704-2.
7. Stone JH, Zen Y, Deshpande V. IgG4-related disease. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(6):539-551. doi:10.1056/ NEJMra1101679.
8. Wang Q, Liu H, Liu Q, et al. The clinical features of unicentric and multicentric Castleman disease: a single-center experience. Hematol Oncol. 2021;39(3):314-321. doi:10.1002/hon.2833.
9. Polizzotto MN, Uldrick TS, Wang V, et al. Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8) and the etiology of multicentric Castleman disease. Blood. 2019;133(11):1186-1197. doi:10.1182/ blood-2018-11-844662.
10. Geyer JT, Medeiros LJ, et al. Indolent T-lymphoblastic proliferation: A diagnostic dilemma. Mod Pathol. 2015;28(4):527-535. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2014.179.
11. Ponniah R, Chua I, et al. The challenges of diagnosing autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. J Clin Pathol. 2018;71(7):651-658. doi:10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204870.
12. Krenacs T, et al. Rosai-Dorfman disease: A comprehensive review. Leuk Lymphoma. 2020;61(7):1534-1542. doi:10.1080/10428194.2020.1731606.