Improved methods, reagents, and kits for quantitation of HLA-DR and/or CD11b expression on peripheral blood cells are presented. Inclusion of a lysosomotropic amine, such as chloroquine, during staining stabilizes HLA-DR and CD11b expression. Use of a novel anti-CD14 conjugate, anti-CD14-PerCP/CY5.5, permits the ready discrimination of monocytes. The improved methods, reagents, and kits can be used to assess immune competence, and to direct and monitor immunostimulatory therapies in patients exhibiting monocyte deactivation.
METHODS FOR QUANTITATION OF HLA-DR AND CD11B