— Testing Panel

Cytotoxic T Cell (TC)

Cytotoxic T Cell (CTL) Test

An accurate assessment of cytotoxic T cell quantity, activity, and functional status helps to understand the body's ability to eliminate tumor cells and virus-infected cells, and supports cancer treatment evaluation, immune monitoring, and personalized health management.

Cytotoxic T Cell (TC)

Accurate Immune Assessment

Quantify CTL proportion and activation status

Cancer & Infection Monitoring

Evaluate response to tumors and viral infections

Therapeutic Response Evaluation

Predict treatment response and monitor effectiveness

Personalized Health Management

Provide tailored immune strategies and follow-up

1

Recognize Target

TCR recognizes antigen

2

Activate CTL Expansion

CTL activation and proliferation

3

Release Cytotoxic Molecules

Perforin / Granzyme release

4

Kill Target Cell

Induce target cell lysis / apoptosis

Applicable To

Cancate Patients

Evaluate immune function and treatment response

Chronic Infection Patients

Monitor immune response in HIV, HBV, HCV, and others

Post-treatment Patients

Monitor immune recovery and recurrence risk

Vaccine Recipients

Evaluate vaccine-induced immune response

Health Screening Individuals

Understand immune status and disease risk

Test Contents

Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we comprehensively analyze CTL quantity, subset distribution, and functional status.

Surface Marker Analysis

  • CD3
  • CD8
  • CD45RA / CD45RO
  • CCR7
  • CD27
  • CD28

Activation/Proliferation Analysis

  • CD69
  • CD137 (4-1BB)
  • HLA-DR
  • Ki-67

Function/Cytotoxicity Analysis

  • Granzyme B
  • Perforin
  • IFN-γ
  • TNF-α
  • CD107a (Degranulation)
  • PD-1 / TIM-3 / LAG-3

Test Workflow

  1. Sample Collection

    Sample Collection

    Collect peripheral blood sample

  2. Cell Separation

    Cell Separation

    Isolate PBMCs from peripheral blood

  3. Staining & Flow Cytometry

    Staining & Flow Cytometry

    Multipanel staining and flow cytometry analysis

  4. AI Analysis

    AI Analysis

    AI algorithm analysis and functional scoring

  5. Report Generation

    Report Generation

    Professional report with interpretation

  6. Clinical Application

    Clinical Application

    Personalized Immune management and recommendations

Multicolor Flow Cytometry Image Examples

* Images are for reference only. Actual results may vary.

CD3 (T Cells)

CD3 (T Cells)

CD8 (Cytotoxic T Cells)

CD8 (Cytotoxic T Cells)

Granzyme B

Granzyme B

Perforin

Perforin

CD107a (Degranulation)

CD107a (Degranulation)

Merged Image

Merged Image

CTL Reference Ranges

Indicator Reference Range (%) Clinical Significance
CD3+CD8+ T Cells (CTL) 15 – 35 Reflect overall CTL level and immune competence
Activated CTL (CD69+) 5 – 20 Reflect activation status and immune response
Granzyme B+ Cells 20 – 60 Reflect cytotoxic function potential
Perforin+ Cells 10 – 40 Reflect cytotoxic molecule expression
Degranulation (CD107a+) 5 – 25 Reflect degranulation and cytotoxic capability
IFN-γ+ Cells 10 – 40 Reflect Th1 immune response
PD-1+ CTL Proportion 5 – 25 Reflect immune exhaustion status

* Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and population.

Clinical Applications

Cancer Immunotherapy Monitoring

Evaluate CTL function and optimize immunotherapy strategies

Infection Immune Monitoring

Monitor immune response and viral infection control

Treatment Efficacy Evaluation

Assess treatment response and recurrence risk

Vaccine Efficacy Evaluation

Evaluate vaccine-induced immune protection

Personalized Immune Management

Develop individualized immune plans and follow-up strategies

Key Features

  • Multiparameter flow cytometry with standardized protocols
  • Quantify CTL subsets and their functional proportions
  • Evaluate cytotoxic molecule expression and activation status
  • Assess antigen presentation function (MHC I/II expression)
  • Comprehensive functional activity assessment
  • AI-driven algorithm for integrated evaluation
  • Provide personalized immune management and therapeutic recommendations

Test Specifications

  • Sample Type: Peripheral blood 5–10 mL (EDTA tube)
  • Testing Method: Multiparameter flow cytometry
  • Turnaround Time: 7–10 business days
  • Applicable Population: Adults and children
  • Report Content: CTL quantity, subset distribution, activation status, functional markers, and clinical recommendations

Important Notes

  • No fasting required before test
  • Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before testing
  • Inform physician of current medications
  • Pregnancy or acute infection may affect results; consult physician
  • Test results should be interpreted by a specialist in conjunction with clinical findings

FAQ

Q.What are Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8+ T Cells)?

Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) are a key component of the adaptive immune system and are responsible for identifying and eliminating virus-infected cells and cancer cells.

Q.What does reduced cytotoxic activity indicate?

Reduced cytotoxic activity may suggest impaired immune defense, chronic infection, immune exhaustion, or a weakened anti-tumor immune response.

Q.Does a higher CTL count always mean better immunity?

Not necessarily. Both the quantity and functional activity of CTLs are important. Comprehensive evaluation of activation, proliferation, and cytotoxic markers is recommended.

Q.Can this test evaluate immunotherapy effectiveness?

Yes. Monitoring changes in CTL activity and function can help assess treatment response and support immunotherapy decision-making.

Q.Is follow-up testing recommended?

Follow-up testing every 2–3 months is recommended to monitor immune status, treatment response, and disease progression.

Q.Is there an age requirement for this test?

No. The test is suitable for both adults and children and can be applied to immune health monitoring across different age groups.

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